Family / B1

in-GAYJD/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/

Engaged means busy, or involved, or promised to marry: the line is engaged; engaged in work; they got engaged. Engage is the verb (already in the dictionary). Busy is everyday for the phone/work sense. Do not mix with enraged (furious). Switchboards: the line was engaged.

Meaning

Busy with something; also having agreed to marry; also involved and interested.

Examples

• “The line was engaged, so she emailed the office instead.”
• “Students stayed engaged in the seminar, which is the involved sense.”

Good to know

engaged in; the line is engaged; get engaged (marriage). Verb: engage. Everyday: busy. Mix-up: enraged. Three senses — pick one in the sentence.

Topics

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