What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engross
Example
She was engrossed in her book and didn't notice the time passing. [engrossed: adjective]
Example
The movie was so engrossing that I forgot where I was. [engrossing: present participle]
absorb
Example
He absorbed every word of the lecture on astrophysics. [absorbed: verb]
Example
The novel was so absorbing that I read it in one sitting. [absorbing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Absorb is more commonly used than engross in everyday language. Absorb is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while engross is less common and is often used in work-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engross and absorb?
Engross has a more formal connotation than absorb, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
