What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engaging
Example
The speaker was engaging and kept the audience interested throughout the presentation. [engaging: adjective]
Example
She has an engaging personality that makes people want to be around her. [engaging: adjective]
interesting
Example
The book was so interesting that I couldn't put it down. [interesting: adjective]
Example
I find history to be a very interesting subject. [interesting: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Interesting is more commonly used than engaging in everyday language. Interesting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while engaging is less common and implies a higher level of involvement or emotional connection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engaging and interesting?
Both engaging and interesting can be used in formal and informal contexts, but engaging may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.