engaged

Everyday

1. (adjective) Having agreed to marry someone. tree →
2. (adjective, UK) Being used, busy (the toilet is engaged; the phone line is engaged). tree →
3. (adjective) Busy with or interested in an activity (engaged in learning). tree →
4. Got someone's attention or interest. tree →
5. (formal) Employed someone; or began fighting with an enemy. tree →
6. Locked a machine part into place (engaged the gears). tree →

In the lessons

In family life, «my aunt got engaged». In the UK, «engaged» on a toilet door or phone means occupied or busy (US: «busy» or «occupied»). In school, pupils who are engaged pay attention. Phrases: «get engaged», «engaged to», «engaged in», «the line is engaged».

Examples

• My sister got engaged to her boyfriend. tree →
• Sorry, the toilet is engaged. tree →
• I rang Gran but the line was engaged. tree →
• The pupils were engaged in a science project. tree →
• The story engaged the children from the first page. tree →
• The driver engaged first gear. tree →
• The firm engaged a new cook. tree →
• Shall we be engaged to each other? tree →

Note

Noun «engagement» (an engagement ring). UK «engaged» on a door = US «occupied». «Engaged TO someone» (to marry), «engaged IN something» (doing). Opposite on doors: vacant, free.