engrossed

[en-grohst]

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.

verb

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

Other Word Forms

• engrossedly adverb
• self-engrossed adjective
• unengrossed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of engrossed¹

engross ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

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."

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

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

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Their children were engrossed in a movie in the living room.

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The case marks the latest twist in a row that has engrossed Nigeria, raising questions about gender equality in the socially conservative nation.

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Related Words

• absorbed 
• captivated www.thesaurus.com
• consumed www.thesaurus.com
• engaged 
• enthralled 
• submerged