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preoccupation — the state of being absorbed in thought about something

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: the state of being absorbed in thought about something

Pronunciation (IPA): /priˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/

Example Sentences

  • Her preoccupation with social media likes prevented her from enjoying the sunset.
  • The professor's preoccupation with ancient history made dinner conversations quite lengthy.
  • Climate change has become a major preoccupation for young activists worldwide.

preoccupation

NOUN

[/priˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/]

the state of being absorbed in thought about something

the state of being absorbed in thought about something
💡 Concept

the state of being absorbed in thought about something

Even on vacation, preoccupation with education!
🎵 Rhyme

Even on vacation, preoccupation with education!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/priˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/
🇬🇧 UK/priˌɒkjəˈpeɪʃən/

🌳Etymology

Prefixpre--
Rootoccup
Suffix--ation

Origin

The word derives from Latin 'praeoccupare', a compound of 'prae' (before) and 'occupare' (to seize or occupy). Originally meaning 'to seize or take possession of beforehand', it evolved in English to denote the state of having one's mind seized or preoccupied by a thought or concern.

Breakdown

prae- (before, in advance) + occupare (to seize, occupy) + -tion (noun-forming suffix). The prefix 'prae-' combines with 'occupare' to form the verb 'preoccupate', which takes the suffix '-tion' to create the abstract noun.

🎵Rhyme

occupation
vacation
education
information
celebration

🔗Collocations

main preoccupation
constant preoccupation
preoccupation with
growing preoccupation
national preoccupation
total preoccupation

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Her preoccupation with social media likes prevented her from enjoying the sunset.”

😄 Fun example

“The professor's preoccupation with ancient history made dinner conversations quite lengthy.”

“Climate change has become a major preoccupation for young activists worldwide.”

😄 Fun example

“His preoccupation with finding the perfect coffee bean led him to visit 47 cafes in one month.”

📚Related Words

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