French word

divertir

Pronunciation

IPA/divɛʁtiʁ/

Meaning

  • verbentertain

Example

Ce spectacle a diverti le public.

This show entertained the audience.

Illustration for divertir (entertain)

More examples

Il essaie de divertir les enfants.

He tries to entertain the children.

Core concept

A person is drawn away from ordinary attention by words or actions that make the moment enjoyable.

Common phrases

  • divertir quelqu'un

    entertain someone

  • divertir les enfants

    entertain the children

Similar words

amuser: To amuse people and make their time more enjoyable.
distraire: To distract attention from the original subject or activity.
égayer: To brighten a mood or atmosphere and make it more enjoyable.
s'amuser: To enjoy oneself through laughter or play.

Definition in French

Faire rire ou distraire quelqu'un, lui procurer du plaisir par une action ou une parole.

Word origin

French divertir comes from Latin divertere, "to turn aside," and developed through the idea of turning attention away toward amusement.

Usage tips

  • Divertir takes a direct object for entertaining someone, as in divertir le public, whereas se divertir means to have fun.

Other meanings

  • amuseverb
  • distractverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word