Involve: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something requires the participation or presence of someone or something. It is generally neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

• The project will involve several teams working together.
• Her job involves a lot of travel.

Used when one thing contains another as part of the whole, often to list or specify components. It is neutral and works in both formal and informal contexts.

• The report should include all the pertinent data.
• Does the price include tax?

Used when something is added as an integral part or component of a larger whole, often in a formal or technical context.

• The new plan will incorporate feedback from all departments.
• We need to incorporate sustainable practices into our business model.

Used when something captures all of someone's attention to the exclusion of everything else. It often has a more intense or immersive connotation.

• The book was so interesting that it engrossed me from start to finish.
• He was engrossed in his work and didn't notice the time.

Used when something becomes twisted or complicated, often implying a difficult, problematic, or confusing situation. This word typically carries a negative connotation.

• She didn't want to entangle herself in office politics.
• The fishing line got entangled in the seaweed.

Use this word when someone participates in an activity or event. It is neutral and commonly used in various situations.

• She decided to get more involved in community activities
• This project involves a lot of detailed planning

This word is appropriate when suggesting that someone is involved in something dishonest or illegal. It usually has a negative connotation.

• The evidence implicates several local officials in the scandal
• He was implicated in a series of thefts

Use this word when someone is accused or shown to be guilty of a crime. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The fingerprints found at the scene could incriminate him
• Her testimony incriminated her colleagues

Use this word when someone is caught in a complex or troublesome situation, often one that is difficult to escape from. It carries a negative undertone.

• She didn't want to get entangled in office politics
• His financial affairs became entangled with his personal issues

This word is used when someone becomes deeply involved in a difficult or complicated situation, often unexpected and unwanted. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• He got embroiled in a bitter dispute at work
• The country was embroiled in a lengthy war