Engage
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo become involved or participate in something.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To participate or become involved in something.
The students engaged in a debate about climate change.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party and you start talking and laughing with new people. That's engaging – you're getting involved and having fun! Or, if you start playing a video game, you're also engaged because you're focused on the game.
👶 For kids: To do something and be part of it, like playing a game or talking with friends.
More Examples
The museum offers activities to engage children.
She tried to engage him in conversation, but he was not interested.
How It's Used
"She engaged in a lively conversation with her friends."
"The company will engage an external consultant to review the project."
To attract and hold someone's attention or interest.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To capture or attract someone's attention.
The speaker struggled to engage the audience during the lengthy presentation.
💡 Simply: Think about a really good movie. It keeps you glued to the screen because it *engages* you. It grabs your attention and makes you want to know what happens next! Also, when you tell a great joke, you are trying to engage the audience.
👶 For kids: To make someone pay attention to you or be interested in something.
More Examples
This book manages to engage the reader with its compelling story.
The game's vibrant colors and sounds immediately engaged the child.
How It's Used
"The advertisement was designed to engage the audience."
"The teacher used interactive activities to engage the students."
To arrange for someone to do something, to employ, or to enter into a formal agreement.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To formally commit or arrange for someone or something to do something.
The theater engaged a famous director for the play.
💡 Simply: Like hiring a musician for your party! You *engage* them by asking them to play and agreeing on a price. Also, when two people decide to get married, they get *engaged* to each other and make a commitment.
👶 For kids: To make a promise or ask someone to do a job.
More Examples
They decided to engage a private tutor to help their child with math.
After a romantic proposal, they are now engaged to be married.
How It's Used
"The company engaged a law firm to handle the contract dispute."
"They got engaged last summer."
To enter into combat or a fight.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To become involved in a conflict or battle.
The troops were ordered to engage the enemy.
💡 Simply: Imagine two armies facing each other. When they start fighting, they *engage* each other in battle.
👶 For kids: To start a fight.
More Examples
After hours of negotiation, the parties failed to engage in a meaningful discussion.
The ship was ordered to engage the pirates.
How It's Used
"The soldiers prepared to engage the enemy."
Synonyms
Antonyms
Abstain
Avoid
Alienate
Bore
Discourage
Discharge
Dismiss
Divorce
Disarm
Idioms & expressions
engage in conversation
To start or participate in a conversation.
"The two strangers engaged in conversation, discovering they had a shared interest in history."
engage with someone
To interact with or respond to another person.
"The teacher encouraged the students to engage with each other during the group project."
engaged time
Time spent actively doing an activity or task.
"The program measures engaged time to provide data on student learning."
From Old French *engagier* ('to pledge, pawn'), from *en-* (in) + *gage* (pledge, warrant), of Germanic origin. It originally meant to pledge or pawn, later evolving to mean to involve or occupy oneself in something.
The word has been used since the 15th century, initially with the meaning of pledging or pawning. The meaning gradually expanded to include involvement and commitment.
Memory tip
Think of a meeting or a game; you engage with others and/or the activity.