entertained

Entertained is the past tense and past participle of the verb entertain. It describes an action completed in the past or an event that has provided amusement or interest. It can also function as an adjective, as in "the audience was entertained," or more generally "the guests were entertained." In addition, entertained can mean to consider or keep an idea in mind, as in "the board entertained several proposals," which is a more formal, deliberative sense.

Usage notes:

- When describing amusement, entertained indicates that something caused pleasure or interest: "The show entertained audiences for hours."

- When used with a host, "to entertain guests" means to provide hospitality, activities, or conversation.

- In formal writing, "to entertain" a proposal or suggestion means to give it consideration, not necessarily acceptance.

Etymology:

The verb enters English from Old French entretenir, meaning to maintain or support, or to amuse; the sense generalized to "to provide entertainment." It is ultimately derived from Latin roots commonly described as "to hold between" or "to hold."

See also:

Entertainment, Entertain, Amuse.