entertain

To keep someone interested and happy through enjoyable activities or performances.

• The clown entertained the children.
• His jokes entertain audiences of all ages.
• We were entertained by a local band.

How to use it: entertain someone with something (She entertained the children with funny stories.)

Similar words: amuse, delight

Opposites: bore

Common phrases: entertain someone, entertain an audience, entertain with music, entertain friends

To invite people to your home or another place and provide food, drink, or a social occasion.

• We often entertain at home.
• She entertained six guests for dinner.
• They enjoy entertaining friends on summer evenings.

How to use it: entertain someone at something (They entertained their clients at a private dinner.)

Similar words: host, receive

Common phrases: entertain guests, entertain at home, entertain friends

To think about an idea or possibility and consider accepting it.

• He refused to entertain the idea.
• She briefly entertained doubts about his honesty.
• Would you entertain the possibility of changing your plans?

How to use it: entertain the idea of doing something (She entertained the idea of moving abroad.); entertain the possibility that… (We entertained the possibility that the figures were wrong.)

Similar words: consider, contemplate

Opposites: dismiss, reject

Common phrases: entertain an idea, entertain the possibility, entertain doubts