What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
obsess
Example
He obsesses over his appearance, spending hours in front of the mirror. [obsesses: verb]
Example
Her obsession with cleanliness has become a problem for her relationships. [obsession: noun]
engross
Example
She was so engrossed in the book that she didn't notice the time passing. [engrossed: adjective]
Example
The team was engrossed in the project, working tirelessly to meet the deadline. [engrossed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Engross is more commonly used than obsess in everyday language. Engross is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while obsess is less common and often associated with negative or harmful thoughts or behaviors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between obsess and engross?
Both obsess and engross are relatively formal words, but engross is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
