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engaged

adj.
US //ɛnˈɡeɪdʒd// UK //ɛnɡˈeɪdʒd// en·gaged
  1. 1 promised to marry (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    having agreed to marry someone.

    having entered into a formal agreement or promise to marry a specific person.

    Example

    They got engaged during their holiday in Italy and plan to marry next year.

    Example

    The couple announced they were engaged after a private ceremony, much to the delight of their extended families.
    Pitfall
    She is engaged with a doctor.
    She is engaged to a doctor.

    Use the preposition 'to' when mentioning the person someone is promised to marry.

  2. 2 busy or occupied (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    busy doing something or involved in an activity.

    fully occupied or preoccupied with a specific task or conversation.

    Example

    I am sorry, but the manager is currently engaged in a meeting.

    Example

    The researchers were deeply engaged in analyzing the data when the power outage interrupted their progress.
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  1. 3 phone line busy (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate British English

    when a telephone line is already being used by someone else.

    referring to a telephone line or person already involved in a call when a third party attempts to connect.

    Example

    I tried to call the office, but the line was engaged all morning.

    Example

    Every time the journalist attempted to reach the source, the engaged tone signaled that the line was occupied by other callers.
  2. 4 mechanically connected (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Technical

    when parts of a machine are connected and working together.

    in contact and in operation, specifically regarding gears or mechanical components.

    Example

    The driver made sure the gears were fully engaged before moving the truck.

    Example

    The safety mechanism ensures that the blades cannot spin unless the protective housing is properly engaged.
  3. 5 military combat (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Military

    involved in a fight or battle.

    involved in active combat or conflict with an enemy force.

    Example

    The soldiers were engaged with the enemy for several hours.

    Example

    The battalion remained engaged along the northern perimeter, preventing the opposing forces from advancing toward the capital.
  4. 6 architecture (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Architecture

    a column that is attached to a wall.

    attached to a wall or partially sunk into it, rather than standing free.

    Example

    The building features several engaged columns that decorate the front wall.

    Example

    The architect utilized engaged columns to provide the illusion of structural support while maintaining a flush facade for the gallery.
    • freestanding
Idioms1 entry

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