What does entertainingly mean?
Entertainingly is an adverb describing an action done in a manner that amuses, delights, or holds an audience's interest. It most often modifies verbs of expression — one may talk, write, sing, or narrate entertainingly — and is especially at home in reviews and criticism, where it signals that something is not only competent but genuinely enjoyable. The word derives from 'entertain', which traces back through Old French 'entretenir' to Latin roots meaning 'to hold among' or 'maintain'; over time, 'entertain' shifted from simply sustaining or keeping someone occupied to actively pleasing them. Entertainingly thus inherits this blend of holding attention and providing pleasure. It is a versatile, largely neutral word: neither slangy nor stiff, it suits everything from a biography of a raconteur to a description of a witty dinner-party guest.
adverbIn an amusing, interesting, or enjoyable manner; in a way that holds someone's attention or diverts them.
- In an amusing or enjoyable manner that diverts and pleases an audience.
- In an engaging or interesting manner that holds attention.
"The after-dinner speaker talked entertainingly about his years as a foreign correspondent."
"She writes entertainingly about the absurdities of modern office life."
"The tour guide spoke entertainingly, keeping the whole group laughing through the rain."
It comes from the same Latin root as 'to hold between' — to entertain someone was originally literally to hold their attention between your hands.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of entertainingly
Entertainingly is formed from the adjective 'entertaining' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Entertain' entered English from French in the late Middle Ages, from Old French 'entretenir', ultimately from Latin 'inter-' ('among') plus 'tenere' ('to hold'), originally meaning to maintain or keep someone occupied. As the verb came to mean diverting and amusing people, its derivatives followed suit.
How entertainingly is actually used
A neutral-to-positive adverb common in reviews and criticism, where it often modifies verbs of communication such as 'write', 'talk', 'tell', and 'describe'. It carries no strong formality either way, though it appears more often in print than casual speech.
Easily confused with entertainingly
Enterprisingly means with initiative and resourcefulness, while entertainingly means in an amusing or enjoyable way.