How to pronounce entertain
American English pronunciation
en-ter-TAYN
- IPA
- /ˌɛntɚˈteɪn/
- Syllables
- en · ter · TAYN (3 syllables, stress on the 3rd)
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What entertain means
To keep people amused and having fun
In a sentence: The clown's job was to entertain the kids with silly tricks at the party.
Where it comes from: It comes from an old French word made of parts meaning "among" and "to hold."
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Another meaning
To be willing to think about an idea or offer
In a sentence: Mom wouldn't even entertain the idea of keeping a pet snake in my bedroom.
Where it comes from: It comes from the French entretenir, to hold together or keep, from Latin words meaning among and to hold. It is the same word as entertain, to amuse people.
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