What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
entertain
Example
The magician entertained the audience with his tricks. [entertained: verb]
Example
We entertained our friends with a game night at our house. [entertained: past tense]
Example
She tried to entertain her little brother with a story while they waited for their parents. [entertain: verb]
delight
Example
The children were delighted with the surprise party. [delighted: adjective]
Example
The smell of fresh cookies always delights me. [delights: verb]
Example
He took delight in watching the birds outside his window. [delight: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Entertain is more commonly used than delight in everyday language, especially in social or performance contexts. Delight is less common but can be used to describe a stronger and more lasting feeling of pleasure or satisfaction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between entertain and delight?
Both entertain and delight can be used in formal and informal contexts, but entertain may be more commonly used in casual settings, while delight may be more appropriate in formal writing or speech.
