What Is Entertaiment?

Entertaiment, from the Latin inter tenere, means “to hold inside,” and the word has taken on this figurative meaning ever since. Entertainment can take many forms, from a single person who chooses an entertainment from the enormous array of pre-recorded products now available; to a banquet adapted for two; to performances intended for thousands or even a global audience. In some cases, what appears to be entertaining may have a serious purpose as in ceremonies, festivals or satire. In other cases, necessary skills, such as archery or fencing, can develop into a serious sport and profession for the participants and also be broadcast as entertainment.