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B1 verb #3 am häufigsten 14 Min. Lesezeit

entertained

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Erklärung entertained in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'entertained' might be a bit difficult, but you can understand it as 'having fun' or 'not bored.' Think about when you watch a cartoon or play a game. If you like it and you are smiling, you are entertained. You can say 'I am entertained' like you say 'I am happy.' It is a word to describe your feeling when something good is happening for your eyes or ears. For example, 'The movie is good. I am entertained.' It is a long word, but it just means you are enjoying something that you are watching or listening to. You don't need to use it often yet, but it is good to know when you see it in a book or a movie title.

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For A2 learners, 'entertained' is a useful word to describe your leisure time. It is the past form of 'entertain.' You use it when someone or something makes you feel interested and happy. A common way to use it is: 'The clown entertained the children.' This means the clown did something funny, and the children liked it. You can also use it in the passive voice: 'The children were entertained.' This is very common. You can use it to talk about movies, music, parties, and games. It is different from 'happy' because 'entertained' usually means something else (like a TV show) is making you feel that way. It's about being occupied with something fun.

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At the B1 level, you should start using 'entertained' in more varied ways. You know it means to be amused, but now you can also use it for hosting guests. For example, 'We entertained our friends last weekend' means you had them at your house and gave them food and fun. You should also learn the difference between 'entertained' (how you feel) and 'entertaining' (the thing that makes you feel that way). A common phrase is 'to keep someone entertained.' For example, 'I gave the baby a toy to keep her entertained.' This shows you are using the word to describe a continuous action. You are moving beyond simple descriptions to more complex social situations.

At the B2 level, you can use 'entertained' in more abstract and formal contexts. One important meaning is 'to consider an idea.' For example, 'The boss entertained the idea of a four-day work week.' This doesn't mean the idea was funny; it means the boss thought about it seriously. You can also use adverbs to be more specific, like 'thoroughly entertained,' 'mildly entertained,' or 'hardly entertained.' You should be comfortable using the word in both active and passive voices and understand its nuances in business and social settings. You might also encounter it in literature to describe a character's internal thoughts or suspicions, such as 'He entertained a doubt about her story.'

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For C1 learners, 'entertained' is a word with subtle shades of meaning. You understand its use in legal and formal contexts, such as 'The court entertained the motion.' This implies a formal acceptance of a proposal for consideration. You also recognize its use in sophisticated social commentary. For instance, you might discuss how a public figure 'entertained the masses' while secretly pursuing a different agenda. You can use the word to describe complex mental states, like 'entertaining a paradox.' At this level, you should be able to use the word with precision, choosing it over synonyms like 'amused' or 'considered' to convey exactly the right level of formality and intent in your writing and speaking.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'entertained.' You can use it in highly idiomatic and stylistic ways. You might use it ironically, as in the famous 'Are you not entertained?' to critique a situation. You understand its historical roots and how it relates to concepts of hospitality and cognitive space. You can use it to describe the way a philosopher 'entertains' a complex theory or how a grand host 'entertained' on a scale that defined an era. Your usage is effortless, whether you are writing a legal brief, a literary critique, or engaging in high-level social banter. You recognize the word's power to describe both the simplest of pleasures and the most complex of intellectual and social maneuvers.

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Being entertained means you are amused or occupied by something interesting, like a movie or a game, which prevents you from feeling bored.
It also describes the act of hosting guests and providing them with food and enjoyment, often in a social or professional setting.
In a more formal or intellectual context, it means to give serious thought or consideration to an idea, suggestion, or a legal motion.
The word is the past form of 'entertain' and can function as a verb, a past participle, or an adjective describing a person's state.

The word entertained is a versatile term in the English language, primarily functioning as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'entertain,' but frequently appearing as an adjective to describe a state of being. At its core, being entertained means that your attention is held in a way that provides pleasure, amusement, or interest. It is the opposite of being bored or indifferent. When you are entertained, time often seems to pass more quickly because your mind is actively engaged with something external—be it a film, a book, a conversation, or a performance. However, the word carries a secondary, more formal meaning: the act of hosting or providing hospitality to others. In a professional or social context, if you 'entertained' guests, it means you provided them with food, drink, and company. Furthermore, in intellectual circles, to 'entertain' an idea means to give it serious thought or consideration, even if you do not yet accept it as true.

Amusement: The state of finding something funny or enjoyable, such as a comedy show or a game.
Hospitality: The act of receiving and treating guests in a warm, friendly, and generous way.
Cognitive Consideration: The mental process of weighing an idea, suggestion, or possibility in one's mind.

The children were thoroughly entertained by the magician's clever tricks during the birthday party.

In modern usage, we often hear this word in the context of the 'entertainment industry,' which encompasses movies, music, and digital media. However, the personal experience of being entertained is subjective. What entertains one person might bore another. For instance, a scientist might be entertained by a complex mathematical proof, while a child is entertained by a simple ball game. The word implies a certain level of passivity in the 'amusement' sense—you are being acted upon by an external stimulus—whereas in the 'hosting' sense, it implies an active role. If you are 'well-entertained,' it suggests that the quality of the distraction or hospitality was high. We also use it in negative constructions to describe a lack of interest, such as 'I was not entertained by his excuses,' where it takes on a slightly more metaphorical meaning of 'accepting' or 'believing.'

Despite his initial skepticism, the CEO entertained the possibility of a merger after seeing the financial reports.

Historically, the word comes from the Old French 'entretenir,' meaning to hold together or support. This root is still visible in the way we 'hold' someone's attention or 'hold' a party. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from physical support to mental engagement. In the 21st century, the battle for being 'entertained' is constant, with smartphones and streaming services providing endless streams of content designed to keep us from boredom. When we say we are entertained, we are essentially saying that our mental space has been successfully occupied by something we find worthwhile or pleasing.

We entertained over fifty people at our house for the holiday celebration last December.

Passive Usage: Focuses on the recipient: 'The audience was entertained.'
Active Usage: Focuses on the provider: 'The host entertained the crowd.'

She was easily entertained by the simple pleasure of watching the waves crash against the shore.

The diplomat entertained foreign dignitaries at a lavish dinner at the embassy.

Using 'entertained' correctly requires an understanding of its three primary grammatical roles: as a past tense verb, a past participle in passive constructions, and an adjective. Each role dictates a different sentence structure and nuance. When used as a past tense verb in the sense of hosting, it typically follows the pattern: [Subject] + entertained + [Object]. For example, 'The family entertained their neighbors.' Here, the action is completed and directed toward the neighbors. When used in the sense of considering an idea, the pattern remains the same: 'The committee entertained the proposal.' This implies a formal process of evaluation. Understanding these patterns is crucial for achieving B1-level proficiency and beyond.

The 'Amused' Pattern: [Person] + was/were + entertained + by + [Source]. Example: 'I was entertained by the movie.'
The 'Hosting' Pattern: [Host] + entertained + [Guests]. Example: 'They entertained friends last night.'

He entertained the crowd with stories of his travels across the Amazon rainforest.

In passive voice, 'entertained' is extremely common. We often say 'The audience was entertained' rather than 'The play entertained the audience.' This shift in focus emphasizes the experience of the people watching. Adverbial modifiers are frequently used to add depth to this experience. You might be 'thoroughly entertained,' 'mildly entertained,' 'highly entertained,' or even 'scarcely entertained.' These modifiers help quantify the level of engagement. For instance, 'thoroughly' suggests a complete and satisfying experience, while 'mildly' suggests that while it wasn't boring, it wasn't particularly exciting either. Using these adverbs correctly shows a higher level of English fluency.

The guests were well entertained with live music and an open bar throughout the evening.

Another sophisticated use of 'entertained' involves the phrase 'to keep someone entertained.' This is a causative structure where one person or thing ensures that another person does not become bored. 'We gave the toddler some crayons to keep him entertained while we talked.' This is a very common expression in daily life, especially when dealing with children or waiting in long lines. It implies a continuous state of engagement over a period of time. Furthermore, in formal writing, 'entertained' can be used to describe the reception of thoughts: 'The judge entertained the motion to dismiss the case.' This usage is strictly professional and indicates a legal or administrative process.

She never entertained the idea of moving abroad until she visited Italy last summer.

Keep [Someone] Entertained: To provide continuous amusement to prevent boredom.
Entertain a Thought/Idea: To consider or contemplate a possibility seriously.

The professor entertained questions from the students for thirty minutes after the lecture.

I was not entertained by his rude jokes and decided to leave the party early.

You will encounter the word 'entertained' in a wide variety of settings, ranging from casual kitchen-table conversations to high-stakes boardroom meetings. In everyday life, it’s most frequently used when discussing media consumption. You might hear a friend say, 'I was so entertained by that new Netflix series,' or a parent remark, 'The kids were entertained for hours by that cardboard box.' In these contexts, the word is synonymous with 'occupied' or 'amused.' It’s a standard way to describe the success of a leisure activity. In the world of social media, influencers often talk about their goal to 'keep their followers entertained,' highlighting the transactional nature of modern digital content where attention is the primary currency.

Social Media: Creators strive to keep audiences entertained to maintain engagement and follower counts.
Hospitality Industry: Hotels and resorts focus on ensuring guests are entertained through various amenities and events.

'Are you not entertained?' is a famous line from the movie Gladiator, used to challenge the crowd's bloodlust.

In professional environments, 'entertained' takes on a more formal tone. You might read in a business report that 'The company entertained several offers before deciding on the final buyer.' Here, it doesn't mean the company found the offers funny; it means they gave them formal consideration. Similarly, in the legal field, a judge 'entertains a motion,' which is a technical way of saying the judge is willing to hear and decide on a specific legal request. If you are attending a corporate event, you might hear the host say, 'We are honored to have entertained such a distinguished group of professionals tonight.' This uses the hospitality sense of the word to convey respect and successful hosting.

The board of directors entertained the idea of expanding into the Asian market next year.

In literature and journalism, 'entertained' is often used to describe the internal state of a character or a public figure. A journalist might write, 'The politician entertained the crowd with a series of witty anecdotes before getting to the serious policy points.' This suggests a strategic use of amusement to build rapport. In classic novels, you’ll often find characters who 'entertained' certain suspicions or hopes, using the word to describe the private dwelling on a thought. Whether you're watching a talk show, reading a news article, or attending a wedding, 'entertained' is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between simple fun and serious social or intellectual engagement.

During the long flight, I entertained myself by reading a thick historical novel.

Legal/Formal: 'The court entertained the witness's testimony.'
Casual/Social: 'We were entertained by the street performers in the square.'

The museum's interactive exhibits entertained visitors of all ages.

He entertained the notion of quitting his job to travel the world.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the adjective 'entertained' with 'entertaining.' This is a classic example of the -ed/-ing adjective trap. 'Entertained' describes a feeling or a state of being (how you feel), while 'entertaining' describes the quality of the thing that causes that feeling. If you say, 'I am very entertaining,' you are telling people that you are a funny person who makes others laugh. If you mean that you are having a good time watching a movie, you must say, 'I am entertained.' Mixing these up can lead to funny or awkward misunderstandings. Another common mistake is using 'entertained' when 'enjoyed' or 'had fun' might be more natural. While 'entertained' is correct, it often implies a more passive experience than 'having fun.'

-ed vs -ing: 'I am entertained' (my feeling) vs 'The show is entertaining' (the show's quality).
Preposition Errors: Using 'entertained with' when 'entertained by' is needed for the source of amusement.

Incorrect: The movie was very entertained.
Correct: The movie was very entertaining.

Another subtle mistake involves the 'hosting' sense of the word. Some learners use 'entertained' to mean simply 'meeting' someone. However, 'entertaining' someone implies a level of hospitality—usually involving food, drink, or planned activities. You don't 'entertain' a friend if you just run into them on the street. You 'entertain' them if you invite them over for dinner or take them to a show. Furthermore, in the context of 'entertaining an idea,' learners sometimes use it for ideas they already believe in. In reality, 'entertaining an idea' usually implies that the idea is new, strange, or something you are only just starting to consider. It carries a sense of 'maybe' rather than 'definitely.'

Incorrect: I entertained my brother at the bus stop.
Correct: I met my brother at the bus stop.

Finally, there is the issue of word order and prepositions. When you are amused by something, the preposition 'by' is standard: 'entertained by the clown.' When you are using something to keep yourself busy, 'with' is often used: 'entertained with a book.' Confusing these doesn't always make the sentence 'wrong,' but it can make it sound less natural to a native speaker. Also, remember that 'entertained' is a regular verb; its past forms are always 'entertained.' Some learners mistakenly try to use irregular forms, but 'entertained' follows the standard -ed rule. Paying attention to these small details will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

The audience entertained the speaker with a standing ovation. (Note: Here 'entertained' is used slightly unusually; 'greeted' would be better.)

Overuse: Avoid using 'entertained' for every positive experience. Use 'interested,' 'fascinated,' or 'excited' for variety.
Passive vs Active: 'He entertained' (He did the work) vs 'He was entertained' (He enjoyed the work of others).

We were entertained to find that the cat had learned how to open the cupboard.

She entertained her guests with a five-course meal and vintage wine.

While 'entertained' is a fantastic all-purpose word, expanding your vocabulary with synonyms can make your English more precise and colorful. Depending on the context, several alternatives might be more appropriate. If you are talking about being amused in a lighthearted way, 'amused' is the closest synonym. However, if the engagement is deeper and more intellectual, 'engrossed' or 'absorbed' might be better. These words suggest that your attention is so captured that you’ve forgotten about everything else. If you are talking about the hospitality sense of 'entertained,' you might use 'hosted' or 'welcomed.' Each of these carries a slightly different nuance of social interaction.

Amused: Focuses on the humor or light enjoyment of a situation. 'I was amused by his story.'
Engrossed: Suggests deep, total concentration. 'He was engrossed in his book and didn't hear me enter.'
Hosted: A more formal term for providing hospitality. 'The city hosted the Olympic Games.'

Instead of just being entertained, the students were truly inspired by the guest speaker's life story.

In the context of 'entertaining an idea,' synonyms include 'considered,' 'contemplated,' 'pondered,' or 'weighed.' 'Considered' is the most neutral and common. 'Contemplated' and 'pondered' suggest a longer, more philosophical period of thought. 'Weighed' implies a comparison between different options. For example, 'The manager weighed the pros and cons' is more specific than 'The manager entertained the idea.' In the world of performance, if an audience is more than just entertained—if they are truly amazed—you might use 'enthralled' or 'captivated.' These words convey a sense of magic or intense fascination that 'entertained' lacks.

The children were captivated by the colorful puppets, far beyond being merely entertained.

When you want to express that something was *not* entertaining, you can use 'bored,' 'uninterested,' or 'disengaged.' In a more formal setting, you might say the experience was 'tedious' or 'uninspiring.' Using these antonyms correctly helps you express dissatisfaction more effectively. For example, 'The lecture was tedious' is a much stronger and more descriptive statement than 'I was not entertained.' By choosing the right word from this family of meanings, you can convey the exact level of interest and the specific type of engagement you are experiencing, making your communication much more impactful.

The CEO contemplated the proposal for weeks before finally giving his approval.

Diverted: A slightly old-fashioned synonym for entertained/distracted. 'The traveler was diverted by the local customs.'
Occupied: Focuses on the time spent. 'The puzzle kept her occupied all afternoon.'

The diplomat welcomed the visitors with traditional music and local delicacies.

I was so absorbed in the movie that I didn't notice my phone ringing.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word originally had nothing to do with fun! It meant to keep someone in a certain state or to maintain a building.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˌen.təˈteɪnd/

US /ˌen.t̬ɚˈteɪnd/

en-ter-TAINED

Reimt sich auf

explained maintained remained obtained contained strained drained trained

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable: EN-ter-tained (Incorrect)
Pronouncing the 'ed' as a separate syllable: en-ter-tain-ed (Incorrect)
Missing the 'n' sound in the first syllable.
Confusing the vowel sound in 'tain' with 'ten'.
Failing to aspirate the 't' in the third syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Common in many texts, but has multiple meanings.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of -ed/-ing distinctions.

Sprechen 3/5

High frequency in social contexts.

Hören 2/5

Easily recognizable in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

fun happy show watch think

Als Nächstes lernen

captivated enthralled hospitality consideration amusement

Fortgeschritten

regale divert ponder contemplate adjudicate

Wichtige Grammatik

Participial Adjectives

I am entertained (state) vs The show is entertaining (quality).

Passive Voice

The audience was entertained by the singer.

Causative 'Keep'

I kept the children entertained.

Transitive Verbs

She entertained her guests (needs an object).

Prepositional Phrases

Entertained BY (source) vs Entertained WITH (tool).

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Beispiele nach Niveau

I was entertained by the cat.

The cat made me laugh.

Passive voice: was + entertained.

The movie entertained me.

I liked the movie.

Past tense verb.

Are you entertained?

Are you having fun?

Question form.

The music entertained the baby.

The baby liked the music.

Subject + verb + object.

We were entertained at the park.

We had fun at the park.

Plural passive voice.

The book entertained him.

He liked the book.

Simple past.

She was entertained by the game.

The game was fun for her.

Past participle as adjective.

They were entertained by the song.

They liked the song.

Passive voice.

The clown entertained the children for an hour.

The clown made them laugh for 60 minutes.

Active past tense.

We were entertained by a local band.

A band played music for us.

Passive voice with 'by'.

He entertained his friends with stories.

He told stories to his friends.

Verb + with + noun.

The kids were entertained by the new toys.

The toys kept the kids busy.

Passive voice.

She was not entertained by the long speech.

She found the speech boring.

Negative passive voice.

The TV show entertained the whole family.

Everyone liked the show.

Active past tense.

I was entertained by the street performer.

The person on the street was fun to watch.

Passive voice.

Were you entertained by the circus?

Did you like the circus?

Interrogative passive.

We entertained our neighbors with a backyard barbecue.

We hosted a party for our neighbors.

Hosting sense of the verb.

The teacher kept the students entertained with a game.

The teacher used a game so they wouldn't be bored.

Keep + object + entertained.

I was thoroughly entertained by the theater performance.

I really enjoyed the play.

Adverb 'thoroughly' modifying the participle.

She entertained the idea of starting her own business.

She thought about starting a company.

Entertain an idea (considering).

The guests were well entertained throughout the evening.

The host did a good job with the party.

Passive voice with adverb.

He entertained the crowd with his impressive guitar skills.

He played guitar for the people.

Active past tense.

I need something to keep me entertained on the train.

I need a distraction for the long trip.

Infinitive phrase.

They entertained many visitors during the summer festival.

They hosted many people.

Active past tense.

The company entertained several offers before selling.

They looked at many proposals.

Formal business usage.

I was mildly entertained, but the plot was predictable.

It was okay, but not great.

Adverbial modification.

She never entertained the possibility of failure.

She didn't even think she might fail.

Negative + entertain + possibility.

The diplomat entertained foreign officials at his residence.

He hosted them at his home.

Formal hospitality usage.

The audience was entertained, yet also deeply moved.

They had fun but also felt emotional.

Contrastive conjunction.

He entertained his suspicions but said nothing.

He thought he might be right but stayed quiet.

Internal cognitive state.

The museum entertained thousands of school children last year.

The museum provided activities for them.

Active voice, institutional subject.

We were entertained to see the dog chasing its own tail.

We found the dog's action funny.

Entertained + to-infinitive.

The judge entertained the motion for a new trial.

The judge agreed to consider the request.

Legal terminology.

She entertained a hope that they might meet again.

She held a secret wish.

Literary usage for emotions.

The essay entertained the notion that technology is a double-edged sword.

The writing discussed this specific idea.

Academic usage.

He was entertained by the irony of the situation.

He found the coincidence funny in a smart way.

Abstract object of amusement.

The host entertained on a lavish scale, sparing no expense.

He threw very expensive parties.

Intransitive usage with adverbial phrase.

I was scarcely entertained by the comedian's outdated jokes.

I didn't find them funny at all.

Adverb 'scarcely' for negative emphasis.

The board entertained the prospect of a merger with their rival.

They thought about joining with another company.

Strategic business usage.

She entertained herself with complex mathematical puzzles.

She used math to stay busy.

Reflexive usage.

The monarch entertained heads of state with regal splendor.

The king/queen hosted leaders very grandly.

High-register hospitality.

One must not entertain such treasonous thoughts.

You shouldn't even think about betraying the country.

Moral/legal prohibition.

The philosopher entertained the paradox for years without resolution.

He thought about the impossible problem for a long time.

Intellectual persistence.

Are you not entertained? Is this not why you are here?

Famous rhetorical question about public spectacle.

Rhetorical question.

The narrative entertained multiple perspectives simultaneously.

The story showed many points of view.

Literary theory usage.

He entertained a lingering doubt that shadowed his every decision.

He had a small worry that affected everything.

Metaphorical usage.

The salon entertained the greatest minds of the Enlightenment.

The gathering place hosted famous thinkers.

Historical social usage.

I was entertained to discover the hidden depths of his character.

I was pleasantly surprised by what I learned.

Sophisticated emotional response.

Häufige Kollokationen

thoroughly entertained

entertained the idea

keep someone entertained

well entertained

easily entertained

entertained the possibility

mildly entertained

entertained guests

entertained a motion

entertained a doubt

Häufige Phrasen

Are you not entertained?

— A rhetorical question asking if the current spectacle is sufficient.

After the dramatic performance, he shouted, 'Are you not entertained?'

To keep oneself entertained

— To find ways to occupy one's own time to avoid boredom.

I kept myself entertained by people-watching at the airport.

Entertain the thought

— To briefly consider a possibility without commitment.

I wouldn't even entertain the thought of cheating.

Highly entertained

— To be very much amused or interested.

The children were highly entertained by the circus.

Entertained at home

— To host a social gathering in one's private residence.

They often entertained at home during the holidays.

Scarcely entertained

— To be almost not amused or interested at all.

I was scarcely entertained by the dull presentation.

Entertained by the prospect

— To be interested or excited by a future possibility.

She was entertained by the prospect of a promotion.

Entertain a hope

— To hold onto a wish or desire.

He still entertained a hope that they would reconcile.

Entertain a suspicion

— To have a feeling that something might be true or wrong.

The detective entertained a suspicion about the butler.

Entertain questions

— To be willing to listen to and answer inquiries.

The speaker will now entertain questions from the audience.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

entertained vs entertaining

Entertaining is the cause; entertained is the effect.

entertained vs interested

Interested is broader; entertained specifically implies amusement or occupation.

entertained vs amused

Amused usually implies something funny; entertained is just about being occupied.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Entertain the notion"

— To consider an idea, often one that is unusual or unlikely.

I can't believe you'd even entertain the notion of quitting.

neutral

"Keep the ball rolling"

— While not using the word, it's often what you do to keep people entertained.

The host told jokes to keep the ball rolling.

informal

"Play to the gallery"

— To act in a way that is intended to keep the common people entertained.

The politician was just playing to the gallery.

idiomatic

"Bread and circuses"

— Providing superficial entertainment to keep the public happy and distracted.

The government used bread and circuses to stay in power.

literary

"Host with the most"

— A person who is exceptionally good at keeping guests entertained.

John is truly the host with the most.

informal

"Dance for someone"

— Metaphorically trying to keep someone entertained or pleased.

I'm not going to dance for his amusement.

informal

"A barrel of laughs"

— Something or someone that keeps everyone entertained.

The new comedy is a barrel of laughs.

informal

"Keep 'em in stitches"

— To keep an audience highly entertained by making them laugh.

The comedian kept 'em in stitches all night.

slang

"Hold the floor"

— To keep everyone entertained by speaking for a long time.

She held the floor for twenty minutes with her story.

neutral

"Steal the show"

— To be the most entertaining part of an event.

The little girl's dance stole the show.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

entertained vs Entertaining

Both are adjectives from the same verb.

Entertaining describes the object (The show is entertaining). Entertained describes the person (I am entertained).

The entertaining show left the audience entertained.

entertained vs Enjoyed

Similar meaning of having a good time.

Enjoyed is more active and general. Entertained implies a specific source of amusement.

I enjoyed the walk, but I was entertained by the street performer.

entertained vs Occupied

Both mean busy.

Occupied can be neutral or even negative (busy with work). Entertained is always positive or neutral.

I was occupied with chores, but then I was entertained by a podcast.

entertained vs Considered

Both mean to think about something.

Considered is more common and direct. Entertained is more formal or implies the idea is a bit unusual.

I considered the job, but I never even entertained the idea of moving to Mars.

entertained vs Hosted

Both involve guests.

Hosted is the act of organizing. Entertained is the act of providing enjoyment to those guests.

She hosted the party and entertained everyone with her piano playing.

Satzmuster

I was entertained.

The [Noun] entertained the [Noun].

The movie entertained the kids.

To keep [Someone] entertained.

To keep him entertained.

Entertained by [Noun].

Entertained by the music.

Entertain the idea of [Gerund].

Entertain the idea of going.

Entertain a motion/proposal.

Entertain a motion to adjourn.

Thoroughly/Scarcely entertained.

I was scarcely entertained.

Entertain on a [Adjective] scale.

They entertained on a grand scale.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

entertainment

entertainer

Verben

entertain

Adjektive

entertaining

entertained

Verwandt

amusement

hospitality

consideration

reception

diversion

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frequency

High (Top 3000 words)

Häufige Fehler

I am very entertaining today. → I am very entertained today.
Unless you are performing for others, you should use 'entertained' to describe your feeling.
The movie was entertained. → The movie was entertaining.
Things are entertaining; people are entertained.
He entertained to the party. → He entertained at the party.
You entertain people 'at' an event, not 'to' it.
I entertained about the idea. → I entertained the idea.
The verb 'entertain' (to consider) is transitive and does not need 'about'.
The kids were entertaining by the clown. → The kids were entertained by the clown.
Use the passive form 'entertained' with 'by'.

Tipps

The -ed/-ing Rule

Always remember: People are entertainED by things that are entertainING.

Formal Synonyms

In professional writing, use 'considered' or 'contemplated' instead of 'entertained the idea' for variety.

Hosting Etiquette

When someone hosts you, tell them 'I was so well entertained' to show your appreciation.

Stress Patterns

Focus the energy of the word on the 'TAINED' part to sound natural.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'entertained' once, try 'amused' or 'occupied' in the next sentence.

Context Clues

If you hear 'entertained' in a court, it means the judge is listening to a request.

Gladiator Quote

Knowing 'Are you not entertained?' helps you understand many English jokes and memes.

Keep Entertained

Use the phrase 'keep [someone] entertained' specifically for children or long waits.

Thoroughly Entertained

This is the most common pair; use it to show you really liked something.

Enter the Train

Remember: Enter the train with a book to stay entertained.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'ENTER' + 'TRAIN'. When you ENTER a TRAIN, you need a book to stay ENTERTAINED.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person holding a large 'ENTER' key while juggling balls to keep a crowd happy.

Word Web

Fun Movie Party Guest Thought Boredom Show Host

Herausforderung

Try to use 'entertained' in three different ways (amused, hosting, considering) in one short paragraph.

Wortherkunft

From the Middle French word 'entretenir', which comes from the Latin 'inter' (among) and 'tenere' (to hold).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To hold together, support, or maintain.

Indo-European (Latinate/Romance influence on English).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'entertained' in professional settings to ensure it doesn't sound like you aren't taking things seriously.

In the UK and US, 'entertaining' often implies hosting a dinner party at home.

Gladiator (movie): 'Are you not entertained?' The Entertainer (song by Scott Joplin) The Entertainer (play by John Osborne)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At a party

Thanks for entertaining us.
We were so entertained.
Great host!
Keep them entertained.

Watching a movie

I was entertained.
It was entertaining.
Not entertained at all.
Thoroughly entertained.

In a business meeting

We entertained the offer.
Entertaining the possibility.
Consider it entertained.
The motion was entertained.

With children

Keep the kids entertained.
They are easily entertained.
Need to be entertained.
Entertained for hours.

In a courtroom

The judge entertained the motion.
Entertaining the witness.
The plea was entertained.
Entertain the objection.

Gesprächseinstiege

"What was the last movie that really entertained you?"

"How do you keep yourself entertained on long flights?"

"Have you ever entertained the idea of moving to another country?"

"Do you enjoy entertaining guests at your home?"

"What kind of music keeps you entertained while you work?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you were thoroughly entertained by something unexpected.

Write about an idea you once entertained but eventually decided against.

How do you feel when you have to entertain guests you don't know very well?

What is the difference for you between being entertained and being truly inspired?

Reflect on how technology has changed the way we are entertained today.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It can be both. As a verb, it is the past tense of 'entertain' (He entertained us). As an adjective, it describes a state (I am entertained).

Yes, but it means YOU are a funny or interesting person, not that you are having fun. To say you are having fun, say 'I am entertained'.

It means to think about a suggestion or a possibility seriously, even if you haven't decided yet.

It depends on the context. 'Entertaining guests' or 'entertaining a motion' is formal, but 'the kids were entertained' is neutral.

The most common opposite is 'bored.' Other opposites include 'uninterested' or 'disengaged'.

It is pronounced as a 'd' sound /d/, not as a separate syllable /ɪd/.

Yes, we often say pets are entertained by toys or watching birds.

Common adverbs include thoroughly, highly, mildly, easily, and well.

Yes, companies 'entertain offers' and 'entertain proposals'.

Use 'by' for the source (by the movie) and 'with' for the tool or method (with a story).

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