entertainment
/ˌɛntərˈteɪnmənt/
noun
Origin
Latin
intertenere — to keep together, to maintain, to support
Overview
Meaning Now
- The action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment.
- A public performance or activity designed to entertain.
Literal older meaning
The act of holding someone between (one's hospitality or company).
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
entretainment
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The word originally referred to the act of 'maintaining' a household or relationship. In medieval usage, it meant the support or hospitality provided to guests, which gradually shifted to signify the amusement provided to them during that time.
Evolution
- Late Latin
intertenere
“to hold between, to maintain”
Original sense involved keeping a person occupied or provided for.
- Old French
entretenir
“to maintain, to keep company, to support”
The foundation for the modern sense of hosting.
- Middle English
entretainment
“maintenance, hospitality, support”
Initially referred to the act of hosting guests or keeping something in repair.
- Early Modern English
entertainment
“amusement, diversion”
Transitioned from 'hospitality' to 'pleasurable activity'.
Connections
Word parts
enter-
prefix
between, among
tain
root
to hold
-ment
suffix
result of an action
Related across languages
French
entretien
maintenance, conversation, interview
Italian
intrattenere
to entertain, to keep busy
Explore next
Related to entertainment
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.