Engaged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💍

Add to dictionary

engaged

[ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

relationship

Having formally agreed to marry or enter into a romantic relationship with someone.

Synonyms

betrothed, committed, pledged, promised.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
engaged	Describes being actively involved or occupied with an activity or conversation. She was deeply engaged in the discussion He remained engaged with his work all day
betrothed	A more formal or old-fashioned way of indicating someone is promised in marriage. She is betrothed to a young noble He introduced her as his betrothed
pledged	Indicates a formal promise or agreement, often in a serious or solemn context. He pledged to donate a significant amount to charity They pledged their loyalty to the cause
promised	Refers to a more general commitment or assurance to do something in the future. She promised to call him later He promised her a trip to Paris
committed	Refers to a strong emotional or physical bond, often not limited to romantic relationships. They are committed to each other for life He is committed to achieving his goals

Examples of usage

She got engaged to her high school sweetheart last night.
They have been engaged for two years now.
I am so happy to announce that we are engaged!
The couple decided to get engaged after dating for only six months.
He proposed to her and she happily said yes, becoming engaged.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

busy

Busy or occupied with a particular activity or task.

Synonyms

busy, immersed, involved, occupied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
engaged	Appropriate when someone is actively participating in an activity or conversation with a sense of commitment or involvement. She was deeply engaged in the discussion about environmental policy. He is engaged in planning next year's conference.
occupied	Indicates that someone is currently engaged in an activity that requires their attention, often implying unavailability for other tasks. The conference room is currently occupied. He is occupied with a project right now.
involved	Used when someone is taking part in an activity or event, especially when there are multiple people. It suggests active participation but not necessarily intense focus. She is involved in several community projects. They were involved in an important meeting.
busy	Used when someone has a lot of tasks or activities to do. It often implies that the person has little or no free time. I can't talk right now; I'm busy with work. She is always busy during the week.
immersed	Best used when someone is fully absorbed in an activity, often losing track of time or surroundings. It implies a deep level of focus. He is completely immersed in his new book. She gets so immersed in her painting that she forgets to eat.

Examples of usage

I am engaged in a very important project at work.
She was fully engaged in the conversation and didn't notice the time passing.
The students were engaged in a lively debate during class.
He was so engaged in his book that he didn't hear the phone ring.
The team is fully engaged in preparing for the upcoming competition.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Engagement rings, often featuring a diamond, symbolize the commitment and are a long-standing tradition in many cultures.
In various cultures, the engagement ceremony includes special rituals that celebrate the upcoming marriage.
Some societies have distinct engagement rituals that showcase the families' blessings and involve formal announcements.

Psychology

Studies suggest that being engaged in a relationship can lead to greater life satisfaction and emotional well-being.
Engagement often enhances personal motivation and commitment, leading to healthier relationships.
The feeling of being engaged can activate brain areas associated with reward and pleasure.

Pop Culture

Popular movies often showcase engagement as the climax of romance, representing a pivotal moment in love stories.
Reality TV shows frequently revolve around proposals and engagements, reflecting society's fascination with relationships.
Songs and literature often romanticize the idea of being engaged, highlighting themes of love and commitment.

History

Throughout history, engagements have been used to forge family alliances and secure social status.
In the past, arrangements for engagements were often made by families rather than individuals, emphasizing social connections.
Historical letters and documents can reveal the evolution of engagement practices over the decades.

Origin of 'engaged'

Main points about word origin

The word 'engaged' comes from the Old French 'engager', meaning to pledge or to bind oneself to something.
Initial uses of the term referred to being busy or occupied before it adopted the romantic meaning.
In the 18th century, the word began to take on its current meaning related to romance.

The word 'engaged' originated from the Middle French word 'engagier' which means 'to pledge'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. Initially used in the context of making a commitment or promise, it later evolved to also mean being occupied or busy with a task. The term gained popularity in the 19th century in the romantic context of formalizing a commitment to marriage. Today, 'engaged' is commonly used in both personal and professional settings to denote commitment, involvement, or busyness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,193, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1190 negative
1191 task
1192 maintenance
1193 engaged
1194 authorized
1195 girl
1196 tree
...