What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
engrossed
Example
She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't even notice the time passing by. [engrossed: adjective]
Example
He engrossed himself in his work, not taking any breaks until he finished. [engrossed: verb]
immersed
Example
The children were completely immersed in their game, not noticing anything else around them. [immersed: adjective]
Example
She immersed herself in learning a new language, spending hours practicing every day. [immersed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engrossed and immersed are both less common words in everyday language, but they are still useful synonyms to know for expressing a high level of involvement or interest in a particular activity or subject.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between engrossed and immersed?
Both engrossed and immersed are formal words that can be used in academic or professional contexts to describe a person's level of engagement or involvement in a particular subject or project.