Engaged
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo become involved or participate in an activity, conversation, or relationship.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To participate or become involved in something
The students engaged in a lively discussion about the book.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party and you start talking to someone. You're engaged in a conversation! You're actively involved and paying attention. Similarly, if you join a club, you’re engaged in its activities. It's all about being part of something.
👶 For kids: When you're engaged, it means you're doing something, like playing a game or talking to a friend.
More Examples
She engaged her colleagues in a brainstorming session.
The company engaged in a marketing campaign.
How It's Used
"He engaged in a heated debate."
"The company is engaged in a new project."
To capture someone's attention or to attract and hold someone's interest; or to enter into combat.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/
To establish a close connection or relationship
The speaker worked hard to engage the audience.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to make a friend, or win over the audience. When you're engaged with them, you're connecting with them. You are getting them to pay attention. Similarly, when you're engaged to be married, you've made that important connection. When soldiers engage an enemy, they attack and interact.
👶 For kids: When you're engaged, it can also mean you are in a relationship with someone, like when you're going to get married.
More Examples
The company is engaged in a new project.
The soldiers engaged the enemy at dawn.
How It's Used
"They are engaged in a romantic relationship."
"The soldiers engaged the enemy."
Having formally agreed to marry someone; betrothed.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/
Betrothed to be married
The couple announced they were engaged last month.
💡 Simply: If someone is engaged, it means they’ve officially decided to get married! They've promised to become husband and wife in the future. Think of the ring: it's a symbol of their promise!
👶 For kids: When you're engaged, it means you're going to get married to someone.
More Examples
She showed off her new engagement ring.
They are planning their wedding now that they are engaged.
How It's Used
"They announced they were engaged to be married."
Busy; occupied; involved in.
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/
Busy or occupied
He was engaged in a meeting all morning.
💡 Simply: Imagine your parents are busy. When they are engaged, they are super busy doing something else! They are involved in something that needs their time and attention. If you see a “do not disturb” sign, it means people are engaged.
👶 For kids: When you're engaged, it means you're busy doing something.
More Examples
She is engaged with her work.
The doctors were fully engaged with the emergency.
How It's Used
"She was engaged in a phone call."
Idioms & expressions
engaged in conversation
Participating or involved in a conversation.
"They were engaged in a lively conversation about politics."
engage someone's attention
To capture or hold someone's interest or focus.
"The speaker worked to engage the audience's attention."
engage in business
Being involved in business activities.
"The new company will engage in online retail."
From Old French *engagier* 'to pledge, pawn,' which is derived from *gage* 'a pledge.'
Historically, 'engage' was used to describe entering into a pledge or promise, especially in the context of marriage or military action.
Memory tip
Think of a game: you need to engage with the rules and other players to play.
Word Origin
"to pledge, pawn"