The clown at a kid’s birthday party, the Broadway show, the stadium rock concert—whatever it is that amuses, diverts, or distracts us, we call Entertainment. This is no accident: the word derives from entretenir, a root that means to hold inside or support. It was once closely associated with hospitality, and today we think of entertainment as a form of amusement—though it often has serious intentions, too, such as the social commentary in satire or the religious festival or ceremonial event that entertains for spiritual growth.
See more articles on this topic in our Knowledge Center.
Contains adult content. Please select the age appropriate option for you.