engaged

Having agreed to marry someone.

• They got engaged yesterday.
• He has been engaged to Anna for a year.
• The engaged couple are planning a small wedding.

How to use it: engaged to someone (She is engaged to her childhood friend.)

Similar words: betrothed

Common phrases: get engaged, engaged to someone, an engaged couple

Busy doing something or actively taking part in an activity.

• She is engaged in research.
• The team was actively engaged in finding a solution.
• Several countries are engaged in peace talks.

How to use it: engaged in something/doing something (They are engaged in repairing the bridge.)

Similar words: involved, occupied, busy

Common phrases: engaged in research, actively engaged in something, engaged in doing something

Very interested in something and giving it your attention.

• The audience remained engaged throughout.
• She looked engaged and asked thoughtful questions.
• The children were fully engaged in the story.

How to use it: engaged in/with something (The students were deeply engaged with the story.)

Similar words: interested, absorbed, attentive

Opposites: uninterested, disengaged

Common phrases: an engaged audience, keep someone engaged, engaged with something

Already being used for another telephone call.

• The line is engaged.
• I kept getting an engaged tone.
• Her phone was engaged when I tried again.

Similar words: busy

Opposites: free

Common phrases: the line engaged, an engaged tone, phone is engaged