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The ten words in this collection have been selected for their colloquial usage in a wide range of English-speaking countries and dialects, from movies and music to events, hobbies, games, and activities. They are all used to convey the idea of something that amuses or entertains someone.

Entertaiment is a very versatile concept, and what is considered entertainment by one person or group may not be entertaining to another. The word itself derives from the medieval Latin intertenere, based on the Indo-European root ten. It means ‘to hold inside’, or ‘to keep up.’ What is entertainment for one person or group can be work or cruelty for others.