Definition Definition

entertain - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'entertain' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Entertain [ n.]
- Entertainment.
2 . Entertain [ v. i.]
- To receive, or provide entertainment for, guests; as, he entertains generously.
3 . Entertain [ v. t.]
- To be at the charges of; to take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbor; to keep.
- To give hospitable reception and maintenance to; to receive at one's board, or into one's house; to receive as a guest.
- To engage the attention of agreeably; to amuse with that which makes the time pass pleasantly; to divert; as, to entertain friends with conversation, etc.
- To give reception to; to receive, in general; to receive and take into consideration; to admit, treat, or make use of; as, to entertain a proposal.
- To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
- To keep, hold, or maintain in the mind with favor; to keep in the mind; to harbor; to cherish; as, to entertain sentiments.
- To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.

Meaning of 'entertain' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . entertain [ v]
Meaning (1):
- maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
Example in sentence:
  • bear a grudge;
  • entertain interesting notions;
  • harbor a resentment
Meaning (2):
- take into consideration, have in view
Example in sentence:
  • He entertained the notion of moving to South America