Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Absorbed in her own hopes and fears, whilst every hour harassed her more intolerably, Marian was unable to play the part of an encourager; she had never known such exclusiveness of self-occupation.

From New Grub Street by Gissing, George

Was there no escape here from this stupidity of a murmuring self-occupation?

From Impressions of Theophrastus Such by Eliot, George

Mr. May looked at him with scientific observation, and Ursula with half-affronted curiosity; his self-occupation was an offence to the girl, but it was only amusing to her father.

From Phoebe, Junior by Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)

It is mere self-occupation, and helps to make you blunt and shy.'

From The Young Step-Mother by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

Richling, in the self-occupation of a lover, forgot what pains he might be inflicting.

From Dr. Sevier by Cable, George Washington