Engrossing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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engrossing

[ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

movie review

Capturing one's attention completely; fascinating or absorbing.

Synonyms

captivating, compelling, intriguing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engrossing

Something that is so interesting that it completely absorbs your attention and leaves little room for anything else.

  • The novel was so engrossing that I lost track of time.
  • She found the documentary on deep-sea creatures to be absolutely engrossing.
captivating

Something that catches your attention and holds it in a charming or enchanting way, often implying beauty or fascination.

  • Her captivating smile lit up the room.
  • The magician's performance was so captivating that even the adults were mesmerized.
intriguing

Something that arouses curiosity or interest by being unusual, mysterious, or unexpected.

  • The plot of the movie was full of intriguing twists and turns.
  • He found her mysterious aura intriguing.
compelling

Something that evokes strong interest and urgent attention, often because it is powerful or persuasive.

  • The lawyer presented a compelling case that swayed the jury.
  • There was a compelling need to address the climate crisis immediately.

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.
Context #2 | Verb

book description

To occupy fully the mind or attention of; to absorb.

Synonyms

absorb, engage, immerse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
engrossing

Used to describe something that is extremely interesting and holds your attention completely, often used for activities, books, or movies.

  • The novel was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down.
  • We found her presentation on ancient history completely engrossing.
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.

  • He was so absorbed in his video game that he didn't hear me call his name.
  • The sponge absorbed all the spilled water from the table.
engage

Typically used to describe capturing someone's interest or attention, often suggesting interaction or involvement in a task, conversation, or activity.

  • The teacher used various techniques to engage all the students in the lesson.
  • Her speech was so engaging that the audience listened intently.

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,526, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.