engaged

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. busy doing something or involved in an activity.

adj. fully occupied or preoccupied with a specific task or conversation.

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

“The researchers were deeply engaged in analyzing the data when the power outage interrupted their progress.”

B1 · Intermediate British English

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

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

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

“Every time the journalist attempted to reach the source, the engaged tone signaled that the line was occupied by other callers.”

C1 · Advanced Technology Technical

adj. when parts of a machine are connected and working together.

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

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

“The safety mechanism ensures that the blades cannot spin unless the protective housing is properly engaged.”

C1 · Advanced Military Formal

adj. involved in a fight or battle.

adj. involved in active combat or conflict with an enemy force.

“The soldiers were engaged with the enemy for several hours.”

“The battalion remained engaged along the northern perimeter, preventing the opposing forces from advancing toward the capital.”

C2 · Proficiency Architecture Technical

adj. a column that is attached to a wall.

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

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

“The architect utilized engaged columns to provide the illusion of structural support while maintaining a flush facade for the gallery.”