Engross: Definition, Usage, and Example Sentences

Meaning 1：absorb completely (engross)

engross 🔊

/ɪnˈɡroʊs/

vt.

To take up all of your attention so that you forget about everything else around you.

Engross definition illustrated by a student completely absorbed in reading a book.

absorb completely 🔊

➕

/əbˈzɔːrb kəmˈpliːtli/

vt.

To fully engage someone's attention, making them oblivious to other things.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'in grossus' (in large), evolving to mean absorb fully.

💡 Mnemonic

En-gross: think 'en' (in) + 'gross' (large) → fully immersed.

📖 Example

The novel was so compelling that it engrossed her for the entire afternoon. 🔊 The book was so engaging that it completely absorbed her attention all afternoon.

🔗 Collocations

engross in – to be completely absorbed in an activity

engrossed by – fully captivated by something

engrossing story – a story that holds one's attention entirely

🔄 Synonyms

absorb (vt.) – to take up all of one's attention

captivate (vt.) – to attract and hold the interest of

enthrall (vt.) – to capture the complete attention of

🚫 Antonyms

bore (vt.) – to cause to feel uninterested or weary

distract (vt.) – to draw attention away from something

🌱 Derivatives

engrossing (adj.) – highly interesting and absorbing

engrossment (n.) – the state of being fully absorbed

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old French 'engrosser', from Latin 'in grossus'. Initially meant to write large for legal documents, now denotes complete absorption of attention in modern contexts like reading or entertainment.