Skip to main content

preoccupiedcompletely absorbed in thought; distracted

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: completely absorbed in thought; distracted

Pronunciation (IPA): /priˈɑːkjupaɪd/

Example Sentences

  • Students often appear preoccupied during exam period.
  • The CEO was so preoccupied with the merger that he forgot his wife's birthday.
  • She was preoccupied with choosing the perfect Instagram filter while her coffee got cold.

preoccupied

ADJECTIVE

[/priˈɑːkjupaɪd/]

completely absorbed in thought; distracted

She looked so preoccupied that she poured coffee straight onto the table.
💡 Concept

She looked so preoccupied that she poured coffee straight onto the table.

Preoccupied with the game, he leaves satisfied!
🎵 Rhyme

Preoccupied with the game, he leaves satisfied!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/priˈɑːkjupaɪd/
🇬🇧 UK/priˈɒkjupaɪd/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootoccupy
Suffix--ed

Origin

From Latin 'praeoccupare' meaning 'to seize beforehand' or 'to occupy in advance', composed of the prefix 'prae-' (before) and 'occupare' (to occupy or seize).

Breakdown

pre- (before) + occupy (to fill or engage) + -ed (past participle) = preoccupied

🎵Rhyme

occupiedmultipliedsatisfied
occupied
multiplied
satisfied

🔗Collocations

preoccupied with
seem preoccupied
look preoccupied
become preoccupied
too preoccupied

📝Examples

Students often appear preoccupied during exam period.

😄 Fun example

The CEO was so preoccupied with the merger that he forgot his wife's birthday.

😄 Fun example

She was preoccupied with choosing the perfect Instagram filter while her coffee got cold.

The detective looked preoccupied as he examined the crime scene.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

absorbeddistractedengrossedworriedconcerned

Antonyms

attentivefocusedalert

Related

occupypreoccupationdistractionabsorption

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.