preoccupied

[priːˈɒkjʊpaɪd]

preoccupied Definition

• 1. having one's mind focused on something else, often to the point of neglecting other things
• 2. already 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

• unconcerned
• indifferent
• carefree

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.

• preoccupied with oneself

  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.

• preoccupied with the past

  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

• preoccupied with

  having one's attention fully focused on something

  Example

  She was preoccupied with her studies and didn't have time for anything else.

• preoccupied by

  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.

• preoccupied mind

  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'

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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.