preoccupied Definition
- 1having one's mind focused on something else, often to the point of neglecting other things
- 2already busy with or concerned about something
Using preoccupied: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "preoccupied" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She was preoccupied with her work and didn't notice the time.
Example
He seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts.
Example
I'm sorry, I was preoccupied and didn't hear what you said.
preoccupied Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for preoccupied
- absorbed
- engrossed
- distracted
- lost in thought
- wrapped up
Antonyms for preoccupied
Idioms Using preoccupied
preoccupied with one's own thoughts
lost in thought, absorbed in one's own ideas or concerns
Example
He was preoccupied with his own thoughts and didn't notice the time passing.
excessively concerned with oneself, often to the point of neglecting others
Example
She was so preoccupied with herself that she didn't notice how her behavior affected others.
having one's attention fully focused on past events or memories
Example
He was preoccupied with the past and found it difficult to move on.
Phrases with preoccupied
having one's attention fully focused on something
Example
She was preoccupied with her studies and didn't have time for anything else.
having one's attention fully focused on something, often to the point of neglecting other things
Example
He was preoccupied by the idea of starting his own business and neglected his personal life.
a mind that is fully focused on something, often to the point of neglecting other things
Example
Her preoccupied mind made it difficult for her to focus on anything else.
Origins of preoccupied
from Latin 'praeoccupare', meaning 'to seize beforehand'
Summary: preoccupied in Brief
'Preoccupied' [priːˈɒkjʊpaɪd] describes a state of having one's mind focused on something else, often to the point of neglecting other things. It can refer to being already busy or concerned about something, as in 'She was preoccupied with her work and didn't notice the time.' The phrase 'preoccupied with' denotes full attention on something, while 'preoccupied by' implies neglecting other things. Idioms like 'preoccupied with oneself' describe excessive self-concern, while 'preoccupied with the past' refers to a focus on past events or memories.
