Definition

Adjective 1. Engrossed or preoccupied: Being completely occupied or absorbed by a thought, activity, or concern, to the exclusion of other things. 2. Adopted or assumed: Having been accepted, started, or undertaken.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective (Engrossed):

  • She was so taken up with the final chapter of the novel that she didn't hear the doorbell.
  • He is completely taken up with planning the conference; don't expect him to be free this week.
  • The manager was taken up in a lengthy discussion and couldn't attend the meeting.

• Adjective (Adopted):

  • The cause was taken up by several prominent activists. (Meaning: adopted/supported)
  • A new hobby was taken up by many during the lockdown. (Meaning: started/undertaken)

Advanced Usage

• "to be taken up with something": This is the most common structure, emphasizing the subject of the preoccupation.
  • Her days are taken up with volunteer work and family.
• "to be taken up in something": A slightly more literary variant, often used for being absorbed in an activity or state.
  • He was taken up in the music and forgot his troubles.

Variants and Related Words

• Take up (Phrasal Verb): The verb form from which this adjective is derived.
  • Verb: To begin a hobby, sport, or job. (e.g., She decided to take up painting.)
  • Verb: To occupy time, space, or attention. (e.g., The desk takes up too much room.)
  • Verb: To accept an offer or challenge. (e.g., I'll take up your suggestion.)

Synonyms

• Engrossed: Having all one's attention or interest absorbed.
• Preoccupied: Absorbed in thought; distracted.
• Absorbed: Very interested in something and not paying attention to anything else.
• Obsessed: Preoccupied with something to an excessive degree.
• Occupied: Busy or engaged with a task.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'take')

• Take on: To accept a responsibility or challenge.
  • He took on too many projects and became overwhelmed.
• Take over: To assume control of something.
  • The new manager will take over next month.

Related Idioms

• To have one's hands full: To be very busy or completely occupied.
  • With three young children, she has her hands full. (This shares the meaning of being fully occupied, like "taken up.")

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