Definition of enter into

The phrase "enter into" comes from the Middle English verb "entrenchen," which means "to enclose within" or "to hold within." In its earliest forms, it was used to describe how something, such as a group of people or an animal, would be enclosed or held within a space or boundary. Over time, the meaning of "entrenchen" evolved, and it began to be used more broadly as a way to describe situations where people or entities would come together or engage in a specific activity. By the 16th century, the phrase "enter into" had emerged as a way to describe how two or more things might become involved in or participate in a common activity or situation. Today, "enter into" is a common idiomatic expression in English, used to describe a variety of situations, from a legal agreement or contract to a social agreement or relationship. It can also be used in a more general sense to suggest that someone is joining or participating in a particular situation, such as "She entered into the discussion" or "He entered into a new phase of his life." As an example of the evolution of the meaning of "enter into," consider the phrase "enter into a contract." In the early stages of its evolution, "entrenchen" would have been used to describe how two parties might be enclosed within the boundaries or terms of a contract. Over time, however, the meaning of the expression changed, and it came to be understood as a way to describe how two parties might become involved in a contract or financial agreement. In this way, the phrase "enter into" reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of language, as it has adapted and evolved over time to reflect the changing needs and meanings of the people who use it.