preoccupied

/pri:'ɔkjupaid/

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Definition of "Preoccupied"

The word "preoccupied" is an adjective that describes someone who is so focused on something that they are not paying attention to other things around them. When a person is preoccupied, they might seem lost in their thoughts or overly concerned with a particular issue.

Usage Instructions

You can use "preoccupied" when you want to describe someone who is distracted or mentally absorbed in something, often to the point where they might not notice what is happening around them.

Examples

1. Basic Example:

   • She was so preoccupied with her work that she forgot to eat lunch.

2. Advanced Example:

   • He walked into the meeting preoccupied, unable to concentrate on the discussion because of his worries about his family.

Word Variants

• Preoccupation (noun): The state of being preoccupied.
  • His preoccupation with the project made him forget about his friends.
• Preoccupy (verb): To occupy someone's mind or thoughts.
  • The question preoccupied her for days.

Different Meanings

1. Mental Focus: Primarily, it refers to being absorbed in thought or concern (as defined above).
2. Absorbed in Activity: It can also mean being engaged in a task so intensely that you lose awareness of your surroundings.

Synonyms

• Absorbed
• Engrossed
• Lost in thought
• Distracted
• Obsessed (though this can have a stronger connotation)

Idioms

While there are no direct idioms that use "preoccupied," you might use the phrase "lost in thought" to convey a similar idea.

Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific phrasal verbs associated with "preoccupied," but you might say someone "got caught up" in their thoughts, which conveys a similar meaning.

Conclusion

In summary, "preoccupied" describes a state of being deeply absorbed in thoughts or concerns, often to the point of distraction. It can apply to various situations, such as work, personal issues, or even hobbies.

Academic

Adjective

1. having or showing excessive or compulsive concern with something
   • became more and more haunted by the stupid riddle
   • was absolutely obsessed with the girl
   • got no help from his wife who was preoccupied with the children
   • he was taken up in worry for the old woman
2. deeply absorbed in thought
   • as distant and bemused as a professor listening to the prattling of his freshman class
   • lost in thought
   • a preoccupied frown

Synonyms

• haunted
• obsessed
• taken up
• bemused
• deep in thought
• lost