previous engagement — A prior commitment or appointment that prevents someone from being available for another activity
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A prior commitment or appointment that prevents someone from being available for another activity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpriːviəs ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/
Example Sentences
- The celebrity declined the talk show invitation, claiming a previous engagement at his dentist.
- She used her previous engagement as a polite excuse to avoid the boring company dinner.
- Unfortunately, my previous engagement with Netflix prevents me from attending your wedding.
previous engagement
NOUN[/ˈpriːviəs ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/]
A prior commitment or appointment that prevents someone from being available for another activity
She declined the dinner invite because of a previous engagement with her sister.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Previous derives from Latin praevius (going before, preceding), combining prae- (before) and via (way). Engagement originates from Old French engager (to pledge, commit), formed from en- (in) and gage (pledge). The compound previous engagement refers to a commitment or obligation made at an earlier time.
Breakdown
previous: prae- (before) + via (way, journey) + -ous (adjective suffix). engagement: en- (in) + gage (pledge) + -ment (noun suffix denoting action or state).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The celebrity declined the talk show invitation, claiming a previous engagement at his dentist.”
“She used her previous engagement as a polite excuse to avoid the boring company dinner.”
“Unfortunately, my previous engagement with Netflix prevents me from attending your wedding.”
“The ambassador regretfully declined the invitation due to a previous engagement.”
📚Related Words
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