Engrossing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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engrossing
[ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ ]
Definitions
movie review
Capturing one's attention completely; fascinating or absorbing.
Synonyms
captivating, compelling, intriguing.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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engrossing |
Something that is so interesting that it completely absorbs your attention and leaves little room for anything else.
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captivating |
Something that catches your attention and holds it in a charming or enchanting way, often implying beauty or fascination.
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intriguing |
Something that arouses curiosity or interest by being unusual, mysterious, or unexpected.
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compelling |
Something that evokes strong interest and urgent attention, often because it is powerful or persuasive.
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Examples of usage
- The engrossing storyline kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the movie.
- The engrossing performances by the actors made the film a must-see for all movie enthusiasts.
book description
To occupy fully the mind or attention of; to absorb.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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engrossing |
Used to describe something that is extremely interesting and holds your attention completely, often used for activities, books, or movies.
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absorb |
Generally applied when someone is deeply interested in and focused on an activity, piece of information, or event. Can also refer to physically taking in substances, like liquids or knowledge.
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engage |
Typically used to describe capturing someone's interest or attention, often suggesting interaction or involvement in a task, conversation, or activity.
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Examples of usage
- The novel engrossed me so much that I lost track of time while reading it.
- The author has a unique ability to engross readers with her vivid descriptions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Engrossing activities trigger the release of dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical, enhancing focus and interest.
- People often lose track of time during engrossing tasks due to the phenomenon known as 'flow'.
- Engrossing experiences can help with memory retention, as the more engaged you are, the better you remember.
Literature
- Many bestselling novels are described as engrossing because they keep readers turning pages late into the night.
- Engrossing stories often feature strong characters and intricate plots that resonate with readers.
- Authors use cliffhangers and suspense to create engrossing narratives that captivate audiences.
Pop Culture
- Many popular films and TV series, like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Stranger Things', are considered engrossing for their ability to keep viewers hooked.
- Video games incorporate design elements that create engrossing experiences, leading players to invest hours in gameplay.
- Social media platforms use algorithms to create engrossing content feeds, capturing user attention effectively.
Education
- Classroom activities that are engaging and interactive lead to engrossing learning experiences for students.
- Teachers often strive to make lessons engrossing to enhance student participation and retention of information.
- Group discussions and collaborative projects are techniques used to create engrossing educational environments.
Origin of 'engrossing'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English term 'engrosser', which meant to buy up or gather in large quantities.
- Originally used in the context of commerce, it has shifted to represent capturing attention fully.
- It is rooted in the Old French word 'engrosser', meaning to 'to fill up'.
The word 'engrossing' originated from the Middle English word 'engrossen', which meant 'to purchase all the stock or supply of a particular commodity'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify 'absorbing or captivating'. The term gained popularity in the 19th century and has been widely used in literature and film criticism.
See also: engrossed, engrossingly, engrossment.