verb
entertain
To hold a thought in mind for consideration.
The committee entertains a different proposal.
Etymology
The older verb means to maintain. Entertaining a thought keeps it present in the mind long enough to consider it, without necessarily accepting it.
In context
it is the mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it
More examples
- She would not entertain the possibility of defeat.
- He briefly entertained the idea of moving abroad.
- They are willing to entertain reasonable offers.
Forms
entertain · entertains · entertained · entertaining
Similar words
- consider
- Think about as a possibility.
- contemplate
- Think about carefully.