engrossed

American  

[en-grohst] / ɛnˈgroʊst /

adjective

1. completely occupied or absorbed, as by something that captures the mind or attention; showing or characterized by such absorption.

   A carefully planned light show, combined with a five-minute tapestry of spacey sounds by the quartet, brought the engrossed audience into a meditative state.

2. written or copied in a clear, attractive, large script or in a formal manner, as a public document or record.

   In the year 1776 Hopkinson voted for the Declaration of Independence, and affixed his signature to the engrossed copy of that memorable instrument.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of engross.

Other Word Forms

• engrossedly adverb
• self-engrossed adjective
• unengrossed adjective

Etymology

Origin of engrossed

engross ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Mr. Steele is also engrossed by the meltdown at the Heritage Foundation.

From The Wall Street Journal

For much of the summer, though, he was engrossed in something else.

From The Wall Street Journal

When Molly read the book, as a 12-year-old, "I'm not sure that I ever looked up from it. I was totally engrossed."

From BBC

Said Palmer, engrossed in preparing the program for the last eight months: “It’s time.”

From Los Angeles Times

People with no connection to the Post Office told the BBC how they became engrossed watching.

From BBC

Related Words

• absorbed
• captivated
• consumed
• engaged
• enthralled
• submerged