What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engross
Example
The novel was so engrossing that I lost track of time. [engrossing: adjective]
Example
She was engrossed in her painting and didn't notice the time passing. [engrossed: verb]
preoccupy
Example
He was preoccupied with thoughts of his upcoming exam. [preoccupied: adjective]
Example
Her mind was preoccupied with worries about her family. [preoccupied: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Preoccupy is more commonly used than engross in everyday language. Preoccupy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while engross is less common and often used in specific contexts such as books, movies, or other forms of entertainment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engross and preoccupy?
Both engross and preoccupy are relatively formal words, but preoccupy may be slightly more formal due to its wider range of usage in various contexts.
