To entertain means to make people happy or amused, like when you watch a fun show.
It can also mean to have friends over and give them food and drinks.
And, if you entertain an idea, it means you think about it.
So, it's about making others happy, hosting guests, or thinking about something.
At the C1 level, the verb "entertain" encompasses a sophisticated range of meanings beyond simple amusement. While it still refers to providing enjoyment, it often implies a more elaborate or refined experience, such as a theatrical performance or a formal gathering.
Furthermore, "entertain" at this level extends to the act of hosting guests, suggesting a deliberate effort to create a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere through hospitality.
Crucially, it also signifies the cognitive process of seriously considering an idea or proposal, indicating a level of intellectual engagement and openness to new perspectives.
Therefore, understanding "entertain" at C1 requires recognizing its application across social, performative, and intellectual contexts, highlighting nuance in expression and comprehension.
entertain in 30 Sekunden
- amuse someone
- host guests
- consider an idea
§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Entertain' vs. Alternatives
The word 'entertain' is quite versatile, carrying several distinct meanings. Understanding its nuances and comparing it with similar words can help you choose the most appropriate term for your context. Let's explore some alternatives and when to use them.
- Amuse
- To cause someone to laugh or smile; to provide lighthearted enjoyment.
While 'entertain' often implies providing amusement, 'amuse' focuses specifically on the act of making someone laugh or smile. You might be entertained by a serious play, but you are typically amused by a comedy. 'Amuse' suggests a lighter, often less formal form of enjoyment.
The clown's silly antics amused the children for hours.
- Delight
- To please someone greatly; to give great pleasure or satisfaction.
'Delight' implies a stronger, more profound sense of pleasure than 'entertain' or 'amuse'. When something delights you, it brings genuine joy and satisfaction. It often suggests a more personal and deeply felt positive emotion.
The unexpected gift truly delighted her.
- Host
- To receive or entertain guests.
When 'entertain' refers to receiving guests and providing them with hospitality, 'host' is a very close synonym. 'Host' specifically emphasizes the role of the person or organization providing the hospitality, whereas 'entertain' can refer to the act itself without necessarily focusing on the provider.
They decided to host a dinner party for their friends.
- Consider
- To think carefully about something, typically before making a decision.
In its less common usage, 'entertain' can mean to consider a thought or idea. In this context, 'consider' is a direct and more frequently used alternative. 'Entertain an idea' implies allowing an idea into your mind and giving it some thought, even if you don't fully embrace it yet. 'Consider' is more neutral and direct.
She wouldn't even consider his suggestion.
Here's a summary of when to use 'entertain' versus its alternatives:
- Use 'entertain' when:
- You are providing amusement or enjoyment through a performance, activity, or general hospitality.
- You want to convey the broader act of engaging someone's attention in a pleasurable way.
- You are referring to the act of receiving and providing for guests in a general sense.
- Use 'amuse' when:
- The primary goal is to make someone laugh or smile.
- The enjoyment is lighthearted and perhaps less profound.
- Use 'delight' when:
- You want to express a strong feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.
- The positive emotion is more intense and personal.
- Use 'host' when:
- You are specifically referring to the person or organization providing hospitality to guests.
- The focus is on the role of the provider.
- Use 'consider' when:
- You are thinking about an idea or thought, especially before making a decision.
- The context is about mental evaluation rather than emotional engagement.
By understanding these distinctions, you can use 'entertain' and its synonyms with greater precision and effectiveness in your communication.
Beispiele nach Niveau
The renowned theatrical troupe consistently manages to entertain audiences with their innovative and thought-provoking performances, often leaving spectators in a state of delighted contemplation.
劇団は常に革新的で示唆に富むパフォーマンスで観客を楽しませ、観客を喜ばしい熟考の状態に置く。
Here, 'entertain' is used transitively with 'audiences' as the direct object. The adverbs 'consistently' and 'often' enhance the C2 complexity.
Despite the arduous nature of the diplomatic negotiations, the ambassador endeavored to entertain the visiting dignitaries with a sophisticated cultural program, hoping to foster goodwill and facilitate a breakthrough.
外交交渉の困難な性質にもかかわらず、大使は訪問する要人たちを洗練された文化プログラムで楽しませようと努め、善意を育み、打開策を見つけることを期待した。
'Endeavored to entertain' shows a high-level verb choice. The context of 'diplomatic negotiations' and 'visiting dignitaries' elevates the sentence to C2.
It is imperative that we carefully entertain all plausible solutions to this complex problem before committing to a definitive course of action, as a premature decision could have far-reaching repercussions.
この複雑な問題に対するすべての妥当な解決策を慎重に検討し、最終的な行動方針を決定する前に、早まった決定は広範囲にわたる影響を及ぼす可能性があるため、これは不可欠です。
This sentence uses 'entertain' in the sense of 'consider a thought or idea', demonstrating a higher-level usage. 'Imperative', 'plausible solutions', and 'far-reaching repercussions' contribute to C2.
The meticulously planned gala was designed not only to entertain the philanthropic elite but also to subtly encourage further substantial contributions to the charitable foundation's noble endeavors.
綿密に計画された祝宴は、慈善活動を行うエリートを楽しませるだけでなく、慈善財団の高貴な努力に対するさらなる多額の貢献を subtly 奨励するように設計された。
The sentence structure with 'not only... but also' and the sophisticated vocabulary like 'meticulously planned gala', 'philanthropic elite', and 'noble endeavors' are indicative of C2.
While she often struggles with social anxieties, she consistently makes an earnest effort to entertain guests with grace and hospitality, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and at ease in her home.
彼女はしばしば社会不安に苦しむが、常に優雅さとホスピタリティを持って客をもてなし、誰もが彼女の家で歓迎され、くつろげるように誠実に努力する。
'Struggles with social anxieties' and 'earnest effort to entertain guests with grace and hospitality' are C2-level expressions, showcasing nuance and emotional depth.
The board of directors is currently unwilling to entertain any proposals that deviate significantly from the company's established strategic objectives, prioritizing stability over potentially disruptive innovation.
取締役会は現在、会社の確立された戦略的目標から大きく逸脱するいかなる提案も検討することを望んでおらず、潜在的に破壊的な革新よりも安定性を優先している。
Another example of 'entertain' meaning 'to consider'. 'Unwilling to entertain any proposals that deviate significantly' and 'prioritizing stability over potentially disruptive innovation' are complex and abstract concepts, typical of C2.
To entertain the notion that such a monumental undertaking could be completed without meticulous planning and ample resources would be an act of profound self-deception, utterly detached from reality.
そのような記念碑的な事業が綿密な計画と十分な資源なしに完了できるという考えを抱くことは、現実から完全に切り離された、深い自己欺瞞の行為であろう。
This sentence uses 'entertain the notion' which is a C2-level idiom. 'Monumental undertaking', 'meticulous planning', 'ample resources', and 'profound self-deception' further elevate the complexity.
The charismatic orator possessed an uncanny ability to entertain and captivate even the most jaded critics, weaving intricate narratives that resonated deeply with their intellectual sensibilities.
そのカリスマ的な演説家は、最も疲れ果てた批評家でさえも楽しませ、魅了する不思議な能力を持っており、彼らの知的な感性と深く共鳴する複雑な物語を織り成した。
'Uncanny ability', 'jaded critics', 'weaving intricate narratives', and 'intellectual sensibilities' are advanced vocabulary and phrasing, contributing to a C2 level.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
to entertain someone with
zabawiać kogoś czymś
to entertain yourself by
zabawiać się czymś
to entertain the possibility
rozważać możliwość
to entertain a feeling
pielęgnować uczucie
to entertain a suggestion
rozważyć sugestię
to entertain a complaint
rozpatrywać skargę
to entertain an appeal
rozpatrywać odwołanie
to entertain children
zabawiać dzieci
to entertain lavishly
gościć wystawnie
to entertain professionally
zabawiać profesjonalnie
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"entertain an idea"
To consider a thought or idea in one's mind.
She refused to entertain the idea of selling her house.
neutral"entertain a proposal"
To consider a formal suggestion or plan.
The committee decided to entertain the proposal for a new park.
formal"entertain a guest"
To host and provide hospitality to a visitor.
They love to entertain guests at their summer home.
neutral"entertain the troops"
To provide amusement or a performance for soldiers, often to boost morale.
Famous comedians often travel overseas to entertain the troops.
neutral"entertain oneself"
To amuse or occupy oneself, often alone.
The children entertained themselves with board games during the rainy afternoon.
neutral"entertain the thought"
Similar to 'entertain an idea,' to briefly consider something.
He wouldn't even entertain the thought of quitting his job.
neutral"entertain a doubt"
To have a feeling of uncertainty or disbelief about something.
I didn't entertain a single doubt about her honesty.
neutral"entertain lavishly"
To host guests with great generosity and expense.
They are known for entertaining lavishly at their annual holiday party.
neutral"entertain royally"
To treat guests with exceptional hospitality, as if they were royalty.
The family entertained us royally during our visit to their country estate.
neutral"entertain in style"
To host guests with elegance and sophistication.
She always entertains in style, with beautiful decorations and gourmet food.
neutralTeste dich selbst 60 Fragen
The clown will ___ the children at the party.
To 'entertain' means to make someone happy and amused. The clown's job is to make children happy.
We like to ___ guests in our home with food and drinks.
To 'entertain' guests means to offer them food and drinks and make them feel welcome.
She will ___ a new idea for the project.
To 'entertain' an idea means to think about it in your mind.
The movie was very funny. It ___ me a lot.
If a movie is funny, it makes you happy and provides amusement. The past tense of 'entertain' is 'entertained'.
They want to ___ their friends for dinner tonight.
To 'entertain' friends for dinner means to host them and provide food and drinks.
Can you ___ a different way to solve the problem?
To 'entertain' a different way means to consider a new idea or thought.
My friends like to __________ me with funny stories.
To 'entertain' means to make someone happy or amused.
The clown can __________ the children with tricks.
A clown's job is often to 'entertain' people with performances.
We like to __________ guests in our home with food.
To 'entertain' guests also means to host them and offer them food and drink.
A movie can entertain you.
Movies are a common way to entertain people.
When you entertain friends, you make them sad.
To entertain friends means to make them happy or have a good time.
It is fun to entertain people with music.
Music can be a great way to entertain others.
A person who performs for kids.
To have guests over.
To think about something new.
Read this aloud:
Entertain the guests.
Focus: /ɛn.tərˈteɪn/
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
He will entertain us.
Focus: /hiː wɪl ɛn.tərˈteɪn ʌs/
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
I entertain a thought.
Focus: /aɪ ɛn.tərˈteɪn ə θɔt/
Du hast gesagt:
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The clown tried to ___ the children with funny tricks.
To entertain means to provide amusement or enjoyment. The clown's tricks are meant to make the children happy and amused.
My parents like to ___ guests for dinner on weekends.
To entertain also means to receive and provide food and drink for guests. So, inviting guests for dinner is a way to entertain them.
She didn't want to ___ the idea of moving to a new city.
To entertain an idea means to consider it in one's mind. She didn't want to think about moving.
A magician's job is to entertain people.
Magicians perform tricks to amuse and enjoy their audience, which is the definition of entertaining.
If you entertain a thought, you are ignoring it.
To entertain a thought means to consider it or think about it, not to ignore it.
When you entertain guests, you are cleaning your house.
To entertain guests means to host them and provide food and drink, not necessarily to clean the house, although that might be part of preparing.
The clown's silly tricks always _____ the children.
To 'entertain' means to provide amusement or enjoyment. The clown's tricks would amuse the children.
We like to _____ guests with a nice dinner and good conversation.
To 'entertain' in this context means to receive and provide food and drink for guests, or to host them.
She wouldn't even _____ the idea of moving to a new city.
To 'entertain an idea' means to consider it in one's mind.
A magician's job is to entertain people.
Magicians perform to amuse and bring enjoyment to an audience, which is the definition of entertaining.
If you entertain a thought, you are ignoring it.
To 'entertain a thought' means to consider it, not to ignore it.
When you have friends over for dinner, you are entertaining them.
Providing food and drink for guests is one meaning of 'entertain'.
Imagine you are planning a small gathering at your home. Write a short paragraph describing how you would entertain your guests, focusing on the food and activities. Use the word "entertain" at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I would love to entertain my friends this weekend. I plan to make some delicious snacks and perhaps bake a cake. For activities, we could play some board games or watch a fun movie together. I want everyone to feel welcome and have a good time.
You are a reviewer for a local newspaper. Write a short review (3-4 sentences) about a performance (e.g., a play, concert, or comedy show) you recently saw. Describe if it managed to entertain the audience and why.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Last night, I attended a fantastic concert at the community hall. The band truly knew how to entertain the crowd with their energetic music and engaging stage presence. Everyone was clapping and singing along, proving it was a very enjoyable experience for all.
Complete the following sentence using your own words: 'When I need to relax and entertain myself, I usually...'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
When I need to relax and entertain myself, I usually read a good book or listen to some calming music. Sometimes, I also enjoy going for a walk in the park to clear my mind.
What is Maria's main goal for her cousin's visit?
Read this passage:
Maria was excited for her cousin's visit. She had planned a full day of activities to make sure her cousin would be well-entertained. First, they would go to the local park for a picnic, and then they would watch a new animated movie. Maria hoped her cousin would have a great time.
What is Maria's main goal for her cousin's visit?
The passage states Maria 'had planned a full day of activities to make sure her cousin would be well-entertained,' indicating this is her main goal.
The passage states Maria 'had planned a full day of activities to make sure her cousin would be well-entertained,' indicating this is her main goal.
What did the magician do to entertain the audience?
Read this passage:
The magician effortlessly performed his tricks, making objects disappear and reappear with a flourish. The audience gasped in amazement and clapped enthusiastically. It was clear that he knew how to entertain the crowd with his incredible illusions.
What did the magician do to entertain the audience?
The passage explicitly states, 'The magician effortlessly performed his tricks, making objects disappear and reappear with a flourish,' which entertained the audience.
The passage explicitly states, 'The magician effortlessly performed his tricks, making objects disappear and reappear with a flourish,' which entertained the audience.
According to the passage, what does it mean to 'entertain different ideas'?
Read this passage:
Before making a big decision, it's always wise to entertain different ideas and possibilities. Considering various options can help you make a more informed choice and avoid potential problems. Don't rush into anything without thinking it through.
According to the passage, what does it mean to 'entertain different ideas'?
The passage explains that 'entertain different ideas and possibilities' means 'Considering various options can help you make a more informed choice.'
The passage explains that 'entertain different ideas and possibilities' means 'Considering various options can help you make a more informed choice.'
The comedian's clever jokes never failed to ___ the audience.
To 'entertain' means to provide someone with amusement or enjoyment. The comedian's jokes would amuse the audience.
Despite the storm, they managed to ___ their guests with a delicious dinner and lively conversation.
In this context, 'entertain' means to receive and provide food and drink for guests. The storm didn't stop them from hosting well.
She refused to ___ the possibility of failure, remaining optimistic about her chances.
To 'entertain' a thought or idea means to consider it in one's mind. She didn't want to consider the idea of failure.
If you entertain a guest, you are making them feel uncomfortable.
To 'entertain' guests means to host them and provide hospitality, aiming to make them feel welcome and enjoy themselves, not uncomfortable.
A magician's job is to entertain an audience.
Magicians perform to amuse and bring enjoyment to an audience, which is a primary meaning of 'entertain'.
To 'entertain an idea' means to completely dismiss it without thought.
To 'entertain an idea' means to consider it or allow it into one's mind, the opposite of dismissing it.
Focus on the context of 'entertain' as providing amusement.
Consider 'entertain' in the context of hosting and providing hospitality.
Think about 'entertain' in the sense of considering an idea.
Read this aloud:
Can you entertain new ideas when faced with a difficult problem?
Focus: en-ter-TAIN
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Read this aloud:
Describe a time you successfully entertained a large group of people.
Focus: en-ter-TAINED
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Read this aloud:
What strategies do businesses use to entertain their clients and build rapport?
Focus: ENTER-tain
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The renowned orator possessed an uncanny ability to ___ even the most jaded audience with his eloquent prose and captivating delivery.
To 'entertain' in this context means to hold the attention of and amuse an audience, which aligns with the orator's captivating delivery.
Despite their financial struggles, the couple always managed to ___ guests with lavish hospitality, creating an atmosphere of warmth and generosity.
To 'entertain guests' refers to the act of hosting them and providing food and drink, which is consistent with the description of lavish hospitality.
It's imperative to ___ all possible ramifications before committing to such a significant policy change, lest we inadvertently exacerbate existing issues.
To 'entertain a thought or idea' means to consider it seriously, which is crucial when contemplating significant policy changes.
The monarch's court was famous for its extravagant masquerade balls, designed to ___ visiting dignitaries and solidify international alliances.
The context of extravagant balls for dignitaries suggests the purpose was to amuse and provide enjoyment, which is a key meaning of 'entertain'.
While the proposal had some merit, the committee ultimately decided not to ___ the notion of a complete overhaul, opting instead for incremental adjustments.
To 'entertain a notion' means to consider it. The committee's decision not to consider a complete overhaul fits this usage.
The seasoned comedian's ability to effortlessly ___ the crowd, even during technical difficulties, was a testament to his unparalleled stage presence.
A comedian's primary role is to amuse and provide enjoyment to an audience, fitting the definition of 'entertain' perfectly, even in challenging circumstances.
Focus on understanding the context of 'entertain' as providing amusement.
Consider the meaning of 'entertain' in the context of hosting guests.
Pay attention to 'entertain' meaning to consider a thought.
Read this aloud:
Could you elaborate on the intricacies of how a truly captivating performance can entertain an audience on multiple intellectual and emotional levels?
Focus: elaborate, intricacies, captivating, entertain, intellectual, emotional
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the socio-economic implications of a society that prioritizes instant gratification and superficial entertainment over more profound intellectual pursuits.
Focus: socio-economic, implications, prioritizes, gratification, superficial, profound, intellectual
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Read this aloud:
Given the ethical considerations, at what point should one cease to entertain an idea or proposal that, while potentially innovative, carries significant moral quandaries?
Focus: ethical, considerations, cease, entertain, innovative, significant, moral, quandaries
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/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Entertain means to provide amusement, host guests, or consider an idea.
- amuse someone
- host guests
- consider an idea
