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   entertain

   /ˌɛntəˈteɪn/

   verb

   • 1. provide (someone) with amusement or enjoyment: "a tremendous game that thoroughly entertained the crowd" Similar amusedivertdistractdelightpleasecharmcheerbeguileinterestfascinateenthralengageinvolveoccupyabsorbimmerseengrosspreoccupyhold the attention ofOpposite bore
   • ▪ receive (someone) as a guest and provide them with food and drink: "a private dining room where members could entertain groups of friends" Similar receiveplay host/hostess toshow hospitality toinvite to a meal/partyinvite (round/over)ask (round/over)have (round/over)give someone a mealthrow a party fordinewine and dinefeastcater forservefeedtreatwelcomehostfetereceive guestshave guestsplay host/hostessprovide hospitalityhave people round/overhave companyhold/throw a partykeep open househave a dinner/lunch party
   • 2. give attention or consideration to (an idea or feeling): "Washington entertained little hope of an early improvement in relations" Similar considergive consideration totake into considerationthink aboutcontemplategive thought tobear in mindcountenancetoleratebrooksufferagree toapprove ofsupportOpposite reject

   Word Origin late Middle English: from French entretenir, based on Latin inter ‘among’ + tenere ‘to hold’. The word originally meant ‘maintain, continue’, later ‘maintain in a certain condition, treat in a certain way’, also ‘show hospitality’ (late 15th century).

   Scrabble Points: 9

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

   • T

     1

   • E

     1

   • R

     1

   • T

     1

   • A

     1

   • I

     1

   • N

     1

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