The word entertain comes from the Medieval Latin inter tenere, or “to hold inside.” This reflects its origins in the Indo-European root ten.
Today, entertainment can be accessed in almost unlimited ways from the convenience of one’s home; to a restaurant or other venue where food, music and dance are available; to personal media players that allow people to enjoy their own private entertainment. Entertainment may also be shared on a much larger scale, whether at a banquet for two, a celebration or festival, or even a performance intended to reach thousands. In these ways, entertainment serves an important societal need.
