entrance
entrance Lexical Profile
entrance Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An opening, such as a door, passage, or gate, that allows access to a place.
"We agreed to meet our friends by the main entrance of the natural history museum."
The act of coming or going into a place, or making a formal appearance.
"The renowned opera singer made a grand entrance that immediately silenced the crowded hall."
The right, permission, or means required to enter a place, join an institution, or attend an event.
"Entrance to the selective university is highly competitive and based strictly on academic merit."
• verb
To fill with intense joy, wonder, or delight; to captivate entirely.
"The children were completely entranced by the magician's dazzling illusions and slight of hand."
To put into a trance or a state of suspended animation.
"The hypnotist claimed he could entrance any willing volunteer from the audience within a matter of minutes."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'entrance' is a heteronym: as a noun referring to an opening or admission, the stress falls on the first syllable (/ˈɛntrəns/), whereas as a verb meaning to captivate or delight, the stress falls on the second syllable (/ɪnˈtræns/).
• Rhymes for entrance
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun derives from Old French 'entrance', based on 'entrer' (to enter). The verb was formed in English in the late 16th century from the prefix 'en-' (to put into) and the noun 'trance'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.