Engagement: meaning, definitions and examples

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engagement

 

[ ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

relationship

The act of engaging or the state of being engaged. Emotional involvement or commitment. A formal agreement to get married. A promise to do something or to meet someone.

Synonyms

betrothal, commitment, involvement, promise.

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Word Description / Examples
engagement

This term is often used to describe a mutual promise to marry. It can also refer to a scheduled event or an encounter, typically in a professional or social context.

  • They announced their engagement on social media.
  • She couldn't come to the meeting because of a prior engagement.
involvement

This term is used when talking about participation or engagement in activities, projects, or relationships, typically indicating an active role.

  • Her involvement in the community theater was highly appreciated.
  • He has a deep involvement in environmental issues.
commitment

This word is broad and can be used in various situations where dedication, obligation, or emotional investment is involved, including relationships, work, or personal projects.

  • His commitment to his job is admirable.
  • They celebrated their commitment anniversary.
promise

This word is used to describe a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen, often indicating trustworthiness. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation if the promise is unfulfilled.

  • She made a promise to call every week.
  • Breaking a promise can damage trust in a relationship.
betrothal

This is an old-fashioned or formal term specifically used for the state of being promised in marriage.

  • The royal betrothal was announced with much fanfare.
  • Their betrothal period lasted six months before the wedding.

Examples of usage

  • She was thrilled when he proposed, and she immediately accepted his engagement.
  • The company announced their engagement to work together on a new project.
  • I can't believe they broke off their engagement.
  • He made a solemn engagement to return the money within a week.
  • We are excited to announce our engagement to be married next spring.
Context #2 | Noun

business

The action of engaging or the state of being engaged in business or other activities. The process of attracting and holding someone's attention or interest.

Synonyms

interaction, interest, involvement, participation.

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Word Description / Examples
engagement

Typically used in formal or professional settings to refer to someone's commitment or involvement in activities or events. It can also refer to an agreement to get married.

  • The company values employee engagement in team-building activities.
  • Their engagement was celebrated with a small party.
involvement

General term for taking part in activities or events. Often used in settings that emphasize active participation or commitment.

  • Parental involvement in a child's education is crucial for their success.
  • Her involvement in the community theater group was evident.
participation

Emphasizes the act of taking part in an activity or event, often implying active and direct contribution.

  • Participation in the marathon was open to everyone.
  • Student participation in class discussions improved after changing the format.
interaction

Used when discussing communication or direct involvement between people, systems, or entities.

  • The teacher encouraged interaction between students during the lesson.
  • The app is designed to improve user interaction with its features.
interest

Refers to a feeling of curiosity or concern about something or someone. It can also imply a hobby or area someone enjoys.

  • She has a strong interest in environmental conservation.
  • His interest in the project kept him working late nights.

Examples of usage

  • The company's engagement in the local community led to increased brand loyalty.
  • The engagement of the audience was evident from their enthusiastic response.
  • The social media campaign had high engagement with users.
Context #3 | Noun

military

The action of engaging in combat or conflict. The period of time during which a military operation is in progress.

Synonyms

battle, combat, conflict, encounter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engagement

Used often in formal or official contexts to describe a planned, structured confrontation or involvement. It can also refer to a commitment or alliance.

  • The army had several successful engagements during the war
  • He couldn't attend the meeting due to a prior engagement
combat

Typically used to refer to direct physical fights, especially in military contexts. Also used in contexts involving fighting against abstract concepts, such as diseases or problems.

  • The soldiers were trained in close combat
  • New measures were introduced to combat the spread of the virus
conflict

Commonly used to describe a serious disagreement or argument, which can be less physical and more ideological or emotional. Can denote a prolonged period of contention.

  • The conflict between the two countries has lasted for decades
  • There is a conflict between his personal life and his professional responsibilities
battle

Usually refers to a large and often prolonged fight between large organized forces, can also be used metaphorically to describe a major struggle or challenge.

  • The battle lasted for three days
  • She is fighting a tough battle against cancer
encounter

Denotes a chance meeting or engagement, which can be friendly or hostile. Often implies an unexpected or brief interaction.

  • Their encounter at the market was quite surprising
  • The explorers had an unexpected encounter with a wild animal

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers were prepared for engagement with the enemy.
  • The engagement lasted for several hours before a ceasefire was called.

Translations

Translations of the word "engagement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 compromisso

🇮🇳 सगाई

🇩🇪 Verlobung

🇮🇩 pertunangan

🇺🇦 заручини

🇵🇱 zaręczyny

🇯🇵 婚約 (こんやく)

🇫🇷 engagement

🇪🇸 compromiso

🇹🇷 nişanlanma

🇰🇷 약혼 (yakhon)

🇸🇦 خطوبة

🇨🇿 zasnoubení

🇸🇰 zasnúbenie

🇨🇳 订婚 (dìnghūn)

🇸🇮 zaročitev

🇮🇸 trúlofun

🇰🇿 құда түсу

🇬🇪 დანიშვნა

🇦🇿 nişanlanma

🇲🇽 compromiso

Etymology

The word 'engagement' originated from the Old French word 'engagement' which meant a pledge or promise. It later evolved to include the meanings of involvement, commitment, and agreement. The term has been widely used in various contexts such as relationships, business, and military operations, reflecting the diverse nature of human interactions and activities.

See also: disengage, disengageable, disengaged, disengagement, engage, engaged, engager, engaging, engagingly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,058, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.