engross

/in'grous/

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Word: Engross

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To engross means to completely capture someone’s attention or time. When you are engrossed in something, you are so focused on it that you might not notice what is happening around you.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "engross" when talking about activities, hobbies, or subjects that take all of someone's attention.
• It's often used with subjects like books, movies, or any task that requires deep concentration.

Example Sentences:

1. She was so engrossed in her novel that she forgot to eat lunch.
2. The fascinating documentary engrossed the audience for over two hours.

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, you might encounter "engross" in discussions about psychology or learning, where it can refer to how individuals become deeply involved in activities or how certain stimuli can capture our attention.

Word Variants:

• Engrossed (adjective): This describes someone who is completely absorbed in something.
  • Example: He was engrossed in his work and did not hear the phone ring.
• Engrossing (adjective): This describes something that is very interesting and holds attention easily.
  • Example: The engrossing story kept the children quiet for hours.

Different Meanings:

While "engross" primarily means to capture attention, it can also refer to the act of writing or preparing a legal document in a formal way. For example, "to engross a contract" means to write it out in a final form.

Synonyms:

• Absorb
• Captivate
• Fascinate
• Engulf
• Immerse

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Lost in thought": This idiom describes a state where someone is so engrossed in their thoughts that they are unaware of their surroundings.

  • Example: He was lost in thought, completely engrossed in planning his future.

• "Caught up in": This phrasal verb can be used similarly to "engrossed" to indicate being deeply involved in something.

  • Example: She got caught up in her painting and forgot the time.

Summary:

To "engross" means to fully capture someone’s attention or time. It is often used when describing activities or subjects that are so interesting that someone cannot focus on anything else.

Academic

Verb

1. consume all of one's attention or time
   • Her interest in butterflies absorbs her completely
2. devote (oneself) fully to
   • He immersed himself into his studies

Synonyms

• absorb
• engage
• occupy
• steep
• immerse
• engulf
• plunge
• soak up