to participate or become involved in something, to attract and hold someone's attention or interest, to arrange to employ someone

engage in small talk, engage one's services, engage the enemy

engage in conversation, engage in combat, engage one's mind

Formal and Informal Expressions of engage

In different contexts, you can replace 'engage' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'participate, employ' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'join in, hire' is a commonplace synonym.

engage: Explore its Definition & Usage

engage Definition

1to participate or become involved in something
2to attract and hold someone's attention or interest
3to arrange to employ someone

Using engage: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "engage" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I want to engage in more physical activities to improve my health.
Example
The speaker engaged the audience with her captivating stories.
Example
The company plans to engage a new marketing team.
Example
He was engaged in a heated debate with his opponent.

engage Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for engage

Antonyms for engage

Idioms Using engage

engage in small talk
to have a casual conversation about unimportant topics
Example
At social events, people often engage in small talk to break the ice.
engage one's services
to hire someone for a job or task
Example
The company engaged the services of a consultant to improve their business strategy.
engage the enemy
to attack or confront an opponent in battle
Example
The general ordered his troops to engage the enemy.

Phrases with engage

engage in conversation
to start or participate in a conversation
Example
I tried to engage him in conversation, but he seemed uninterested.
engage in combat
to participate in a fight or battle
Example
The soldiers were ordered to engage in combat.
engage one's mind
to focus one's thoughts or attention on something
Example
Reading books can help engage your mind and improve your cognitive abilities.

Origins of engage

from Old French 'engagier', meaning 'to pledge'

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Summary: engage in Brief

To 'engage' [ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ] is to participate, involve oneself, or attract attention. It can refer to physical activities, such as 'I want to engage in more physical activities to improve my health,' or to mental activities, such as 'Reading books can help engage your mind and improve your cognitive abilities.' 'Engage' can also mean to hire someone, as in 'The company plans to engage a new marketing team.'