preoccupied

Everyday

1. Thinking so much about one thing, often a worry, that you do not notice what is around you: «She looked preoccupied.» tree →
2. (verb, past) Filled someone's mind: «The problem preoccupied him all week.» tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character who is distracted or worried, so they miss clues or ignore friends. In everyday life a preoccupied parent may not hear you. Phrases: «preoccupied with», «seem preoccupied», «too preoccupied to».

Examples

• Mum seemed preoccupied and did not hear my question. tree →
• He was too preoccupied with his game to eat dinner. tree →
• The detective was preoccupied with the missing key. tree →
• She stared out of the window, preoccupied. tree →
• Money worries preoccupied the family all winter. tree →
• I was so preoccupied that I put the milk in the cupboard. tree →

Note

Use «preoccupied with» (not «about»). It is close to «distracted» and «absorbed». Noun: preoccupation. Spelling: double c, single p in the middle: pre-oc-cu-pied.