Entertaiment is a multi-faceted concept involving a wide range of activities, from the private entertainment chosen by an individual from the now vast array of available pre-recorded products to banquets and parties adapted for two or to any size group; from theatrical performances and dance to sports events, and all kinds of games and amusements. In modern society, many of these have a commercial, even industrial, character.

The word itself is derived from the Medieval Latin intertenere, from the root ten, meaning to hold inside. It is from this sense that the meaning has come to be associated with amusement. See the Collocations Dictionary page for more information about this word’s usage and etymology.