Busy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone has a lot of tasks or responsibilities and doesn't have free time.

• I'm really busy with work this week.
• She's always busy on Mondays.

Describes someone who is busy but often denotes being busy with a particular task. Can also refer to something that is taken up or in use.

• Sorry, I can't come to the phone right now; I'm occupied with a project.
• The meeting room is occupied.

Used when someone is deeply involved in an activity or conversation, often implying mental or emotional involvement.

• She was so engaged in the project that she didn't notice the time.
• The meeting kept everyone engaged till the end.

Best suited when describing someone who is physically energetic or involved in many activities.

• He is very active and likes to go hiking.
• She stays active by participating in sports.

Implies a situation or period that is very busy and fast-paced, often with a sense of being overwhelming.

• My schedule has been hectic lately.
• The office is always hectic before a deadline.

This is used to describe a person who has a lot of tasks to do or is always in a state of activity. Commonly used in everyday conversations.

• She is always busy with her work
• The traffic was busy this morning

This word can describe someone being engaged with tasks or activities, but it can also refer to taking up space or time. It has a slightly more formal tone than 'busy'.

• Reading occupied her for the entire afternoon
• He tries to find ways to occupy his time

This is often used to describe the act of participating or getting involved in something actively and attentively. It's commonly used in more formal or professional contexts.

• He was engaged in an important meeting
• The students were fully engaged in the lesson

Used to describe participation or being a part of something. This can apply to both formal and informal contexts and often implies collaboration or inclusion.

• The project will involve several key departments
• She was involved in organizing the event

This word is used when someone is deeply involved in an activity, typically to the exclusion of other things. It's often used to describe studying, learning, or activities that require focused attention.

• She immersed herself in her studies
• He likes to immerse himself in nature