Entrance vs Entrance

• Entrance (a doorway or means of entry) – Noun

• Entrance (to captivate or enchant) – Verb

Pronunciation

These words are heteronyms, meaning they are spelled the same but pronounced differently and have different meanings.

• Entrance (noun): Pronounced EN-truhns.

• Entrance (verb): Pronounced en-TRANCE.

Listen to the audio. Notice how the pronunciation changes based on the meaning.

What makes them different is your intonation, expression, and context, or the other words in the sentence.

Instruction

Read each sentence aloud and practice identifying the meaning of "entrance" in context.
Can you tell which “entrance” is being mentioned as you read each sentence?

Example Sentences

1. She walked through the entrance of the grand building.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

2. The magician's performance seemed to entrance the audience.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

3. The entrance to the museum was beautifully decorated.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

4. The storyteller’s voice had the power to entrance everyone in the room.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

5. Please use the side entrance to access the building.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

6. Her stunning outfit seemed to entrance everyone at the party.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

7. The entrance of the cave was dark and mysterious.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

8. The artist’s breathtaking performance managed to entrance the crowd.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

9. They waited by the main entrance for the doors to open.
   a. A doorway or means of entry
   b. To captivate or enchant

10. The melody was so beautiful that it seemed to entrance everyone who listened.
    a. A doorway or means of entry
    b. To captivate or enchant

Answers

1. a

2. b

3. a

4. b

5. a

6. b

7. a

8. b

9. a

10. b

Intonation

Instructions: Intonation is controlling the rise and fall of your voice. When we do this with words and phrases, we send the listener a specific message.

Entrance (a doorway or means of entry)

1. The entrance to the building was guarded by security personnel. (Stress entrance to highlight the location.)

2. They walked through the entrance without hesitation. (Highlight entrance to focus on the act of entering.)

3. The sign by the entrance directed visitors to the main hall. (Emphasize entrance to draw attention to the access point.)

Entrance (to captivate or enchant)

1. Her singing voice managed to entrance everyone in the audience. (Stress entrance to emphasize the effect.)

2. The magician’s tricks were so fascinating they entranced the entire crowd. (Highlight entranced to show the impact.)

3. He had the ability to entrance people with his storytelling. (Emphasize entrance to show the captivating nature.)

Expression

The following explains how stressing or emphasizing the bolded words alters the tone or focus of the sentence and offers some helpful tips. Practice stressing these words when speaking.

Entrance (a doorway or means of entry):

1. Main entrance: Refers to the primary access point.

   • Tip: Highlight main to specify the location.

   • Sentence: Please wait for me by the main entrance of the theater.

2. Side entrance: Refers to an alternative access point.

   • Tip: Stress side to indicate its position.

   • Sentence: The side entrance is open during off-hours.

3. Grand entrance: Suggests an impressive or notable entry.

   • Tip: Highlight grand to emphasize its importance.

   • Sentence: The bride made a grand entrance during the ceremony.

Entrance (to captivate or enchant):

1. Entrance the audience: Refers to capturing attention.

   • Tip: Highlight audience to show who is captivated.

   • Sentence: The performer’s charisma managed to entrance the audience completely.

2. Entranced by beauty: Describes being captivated by something stunning.

   • Tip: Stress beauty to show what is captivating.

   • Sentence: They were entranced by the beauty of the sunset.

3. Completely entranced: Suggests total captivation.

   • Tip: Highlight completely to emphasize the depth of the effect.

   • Sentence: She was completely entranced by his performance.

Things to Remember:

The word "entrance" is used in different contexts:

• Entrance (a doorway or means of entry): Often paired with phrases like "main entrance," "side entrance," or "grand entrance."

  • Example: The main entrance was decorated with flowers for the event.

• Entrance (to captivate or enchant): Commonly used with "entrance the audience," "entranced by beauty," or "completely entranced."

  • Example: His storytelling ability could entrance anyone who listened.