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be engaged in — to be involved in or occupied with an activity

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to be involved in or occupied with an activity

Pronunciation (IPA): /bi ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd ɪn/

Example Sentences

  • My dad is engaged in the ancient art of pretending to fix things while actually making them worse.
  • The company is engaged in developing eco-friendly products.
  • Students should be engaged in meaningful learning activities.

be engaged in

VERB

[/bi ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd ɪn/]

to be involved in or occupied with an activity

The villagers are engaged in repairing the old stone bridge before winter.
💡 Concept

The villagers are engaged in repairing the old stone bridge before winter.

The researchers are engaged in an experiment, carefully mixing substances and recording the results. (ENGAGED IN = actively involved IN an activity)
🧠 Mnemonic

The researchers are engaged in an experiment, carefully mixing substances and recording the results. (ENGAGED IN = actively involved IN an activity)

She is engaged in the project, takes part in every meeting, and dives in whenever the team needs help.
🎵 Rhyme

She is engaged in the project, takes part in every meeting, and dives in whenever the team needs help.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/bi ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd ɪn/
🇬🇧 UK/biː ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd ɪn/

🌳Etymology

Prefixen--
Rootgage
Suffix--ed

Origin

The verb 'engage' derives from Old French 'engager', originally meaning 'to pledge as security' or 'to pawn'. Over time, the sense broadened to mean 'to bind by promise' and subsequently 'to involve oneself' or 'to participate'. The phrase 'be engaged in' evolved to denote being deeply absorbed or occupied with something.

Breakdown

en- (in, into) + gage (pledge, security, from Old French 'gage' meaning pawn or security deposit). The prefix 'en-' combined with 'gage' creates the sense of placing something into pledge or commitment.

🎵Rhyme

arranged
exchanged
changed

🔗Collocations

be engaged in business
be engaged in conversation
be engaged in research
be engaged in activities
be engaged in work
be actively engaged in

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My dad is engaged in the ancient art of pretending to fix things while actually making them worse.”

“The company is engaged in developing eco-friendly products.”

“Students should be engaged in meaningful learning activities.”

😄 Fun example

“She's been engaged in a heated debate with her cat about who owns the house.”

📚Related Words

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