What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
entertainment
Example
The amusement park offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors. [entertainment: noun]
Example
The magician's performance was highly entertaining and kept the audience engaged throughout. [entertaining: adjective]
recreation
Example
I enjoy playing tennis as a form of recreation. [recreation: noun]
Example
The resort offers various recreational activities such as yoga, spa treatments, and nature walks. [recreational: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Entertainment is more commonly used than recreation in everyday language. Entertainment covers a wide range of activities and contexts, while recreation is more specific and refers to leisure activities that involve physical activity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between entertainment and recreation?
Both entertainment and recreation can be used in formal and informal contexts, but entertainment may be more associated with a casual and informal tone, while recreation can be used in a wider range of formality levels.