What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preoccupation
Example
She was lost in preoccupation, staring blankly at the wall. [preoccupation: noun]
Example
His preoccupation with his work often kept him up at night. [preoccupation: noun]
absorption
Example
The children were absorbed in their game, oblivious to the world around them. [absorbed: adjective]
Example
She read the novel with such absorption that she lost track of time. [absorption: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Absorption is more commonly used than preoccupation in everyday language. Absorption is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while preoccupation is less common and typically reserved for more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preoccupation and absorption?
Preoccupation is generally more formal than absorption. It is often used in academic or professional settings to describe a persistent and distracting concern or anxiety. Absorption, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a state of being fully engaged or immersed in an activity or topic.
