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The word entertain comes from the Medieval Latin intertenere, meaning “to hold inside.” So whether it’s a clown at a birthday party, a Broadway show, or your friends fighting over the last potato chip, entertaiment is that which amuses and distracts us. Originally, the word was linked to hospitality, since entertaining guests meant making them happy. Today, it’s used mostly to describe performances, from theater to a stadium rock concert. See also edification, diversion, and amusement.
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