entertain
To consider or give attention to an idea or suggestion
Examples
In a meeting
“I'm willing to entertain alternative approaches if the current one fails.”
Over coffee
“I'll entertain the idea, but I'm not making any promises.”
Why this word
consider
entertain suggests giving serious thought to an idea without commitment, often one that seems unlikely, while consider is neutral contemplation
think about
entertain implies willingness to engage with a possibility despite reservations, while think about is general mental consideration
contemplate
entertain emphasizes being open to exploring an idea provisionally, while contemplate suggests deeper, more sustained reflection
Usage tip
Use when showing openness to possibilities without commitment. Different from the 'amuse' meaning of the same word.
Etymology
Old French 'entretenir' meaning to hold together, from 'entre-' (among) + 'tenir' (to hold)
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