What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recreational
Example
I enjoy recreational activities like hiking and painting. [recreational: adjective]
Example
The park offers various recreational facilities like a playground and picnic area. [recreational: adjective]
entertainment
Example
The circus provided great entertainment for the whole family. [entertainment: noun]
Example
We watched an entertaining movie last night. [entertaining: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Entertainment is more commonly used than recreational in everyday language. Entertainment covers a wider range of activities and can refer to anything that is intended to amuse or engage an audience, while recreational is more specific to activities done for personal enjoyment or relaxation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recreational and entertainment?
Both recreational and entertainment can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, entertainment may be more commonly used in casual conversation or entertainment-related industries, while recreational may be more commonly used in academic or leisure-related contexts.
