entertain
UK[ˌen.təˈteɪn]US[ˌen.t̬ɚˈteɪn]
v
to provide amusement or enjoyment for someone, for example by telling them a story, taking them to a theatre, etc.
v
to hold someone's attention or interest.
v
to have something as a thought or possibility in your mind.
Morpheme Breakdown
enter
tain
enter
among, between
tain
to hold
Etymology
The word "entertain" originates from the Old French entretenir, meaning "to hold together, maintain, support". This French term was formed from the Latin elements inter- ("among") and tenēre ("to hold"). The literal sense of "holding someone's attention among other things" evolved into the idea of maintaining hospitality or providing amusement for guests. Over time, the meaning broadened from the physical act of hosting to the mental acts of holding someone's interest or holding a thought in one's mind.
Analysis
Structure: enter + tain
- enter: From Latin inter-, meaning "among, between".
- tain: From Latin tenēre, meaning "to hold".
Examples
He entertained the children with magic tricks and funny stories.
The documentary entertained the possibility that the theory was flawed.
It's difficult to entertain such a radical idea without more evidence.