entertain etymology

Etymology:

Derivatives of the word "entertain" include:

• Old French: entartenir ("to hold someone by conversation", "to amuse")
• Latin: tenere ("to hold") with in ("in" or "into") with inter ("at intervals")

Meaning:

To provide amusement or pleasure to (someone) by engaging them in interesting conversation, activities, or performances.

Origin:

The word "entertain" emerged in the 13th century in Middle English, derived from the Old French word "entartenir", which meant "to hold someone by conversation". The Latin roots of "tenere" ("to hold"), "in" ("in" or "into"), and "inter" ("at intervals") indicate the notion of keeping someone engaged or occupied.

The word originally referred to the act of holding someone's attention, whether through conversation or other means. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader sense of providing amusement or enjoyment.

Today, "entertain" is used in a wide range of contexts, from informal gatherings to large-scale performances, to describe the act of giving pleasure or interest to others through various forms of entertainment.

entertain relate terms

• entertainer

  Etymology The word entertainer is derived from the Old French word entretenir meani

• entertain

  Etymology Derivatives of the word entertain include Old French entartenir to hol

• entertainment

  Etymology The word entertainment is derived from the Old French word entretenir mean

• entertain

  Etymology Derivatives of the word entertain include Old French entartenir to hol

• harbor

  Etymology The word harbor comes from the Old English word herebeorg which is a co

• hold

  Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P

• nurse

  Etymology Middle English nurse Old English nurse Proto Germanic nurstiz Proto Indo E

• regale

  Etymology The word regale comes from the Latin word regalis which means royal or

• solace

  Etymology The word solace comes from the Old French word solacier meaning to comfo

• deport

  Etymology From Old French deporter from Latin deportare meaning to carry off banish

• barber shop

  Etymology The term barber shop originates from the French word barbier which in tur

• host

  Etymology The word host comes from the Old English word hōst which in turn is deri

• experience

  Etymology The word experience comes from the Old French word esprover which in turn

• contemplate

  Etymology Origin Latin contemplari meaning to gaze at consider meditate upon Root