Also means
to keep occupied
Usage Note
Intrattenere is an irregular verb conjugated like tenere: present intrattiene, past participle intrattenuto. It takes avere as auxiliary. The reflexive intrattenersi means 'to linger' or 'to dwell on a topic'. The noun is intrattenimento (entertainment). Do not confuse with trattenere (to hold back/detain).
Examples
"Il comico ha intrattenuto il pubblico per ore."
Natural Translation
The comedian entertained the audience for hours.
Literal Translation
The comedian has entertained the audience for hours.
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