engage

Everyday

1. To take part or get involved in something: «engage in a discussion». tree →
2. To catch and keep someone's interest or attention: «The story engaged the class.» tree →
3. (formal) To employ someone to do a job: «engage a builder». tree →
4. (of machinery) To fit together and start working: «The gears engage.» tree →
5. (formal) To start fighting with an enemy. tree →
6. (formal) To promise or agree to do something. tree →

In the lessons

In school, teachers try to «engage pupils»; pupils «engage with» a text by thinking about it. In everyday life, «engaged» means promised to marry, and a UK phone or toilet that is «engaged» is busy or occupied. In science and design, gears engage to turn wheels. Phrases: «engage in», «engage with», «engage someone's attention», «engage the brake».

Examples

• The teacher used puppets to engage the younger children. tree →
• Pupils engaged in a lively debate about school uniform. tree →
• (formal) We engaged a plumber to fix the pipe. tree →
• When you press the pedal, the gears engage. tree →
• Try to engage with the story by asking questions. tree →
• The army engaged the enemy at dawn. tree →
• The game is so engaging I forgot the time. tree →
• But I must tell you I engage my labourers without wages. tree →

Note

Adjective forms: «engaged» (busy, or promised to marry) and «engaging» (interesting, charming). Noun: «engagement». Pattern: «engage in + noun/-ing», «engage with + someone/something». Formal compared with «take part».

In Jewish tradition

Here it means to fight bravely in battle. A prophet tells King Amaziah that bravery will not save him if God is against him.

Interpretation. The verse is read as teaching that victory comes from God and not from strength or numbers alone.

Examples

• But if thou wilt go, and do engage never so valiantly in battle, God will cast thee down before the enemy; for God hath power to help, and to cast down.' (Writings 2CH.25.8, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective forms: «engaged» (busy, or promised to marry) and «engaging» (interesting, charming). Noun: «engagement». Pattern: «engage in + noun/-ing», «engage with + someone/something». Formal compared with «take part».