engrossed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪnˈɡroʊst/
KK: /ɪnˈɡroʊst/
adjective
Definition
Completely focused on something and not aware of anything else around you.
Example
She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't hear the doorbell ring.
Conversation
Did you see how engrossed she was in that book?
Yeah, I thought she might not hear us at all!
I know, right? It's amazing how some stories can make us so engrossed.
Totally! I love getting lost in a good book like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
absorbed
immersed
enthralled
Antonyms
distracted
disinterested
unfocused
verb
Definition
To be completely absorbed or involved in something, often to the point of being unaware of anything else.
Example
She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't hear the phone ring.
Tense Forms
Past: engrossed
Past Participle: engrossed
Conversation
I was so engrossed in that book yesterday.
Really? What was it about?
It was a mystery novel that kept me guessing until the end.
Root Explanation
Engrossed → It is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be) and "gross" (from Old French *gros*, meaning large or thick). The word "engrossed" means to be fully occupied or absorbed in something, as if one is made large or thick with focus.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'caused to be' ('en-') fully 'occupied' ('gross') in an activity — that's why engrossed means being completely absorbed in something.
Visually Confused Words
unengrossed