engage
ihn-GAYJ
Engage (verb) means to hold someone's attention or interest. Example: “The speaker engaged the audience with vivid stories.”
verb
1
To hold someone's attention or interest.
"The speaker engaged the audience with vivid stories."
"She tried to engage her daughter in conversation about school."
"Good teachers find ways to engage pupils who would rather look out of the window."
2
To enter into conflict or battle with an opponent.
"The two armies engaged in the valley after a long march."
"Troops were ordered not to engage the enemy until reinforcements arrived."
"The two fleets engaged at dawn."
3
To arrange to employ or hire someone, or to book a service.
"The firm engaged a consultant to review its finances."
"We engaged a photographer to take pictures at the wedding."
"She engaged a plumber to fix the leaking pipe under the sink."
4
To interlock or mesh, as with gears or machine parts.
"Release the clutch slowly so the gears engage smoothly."
"The brake will not engage properly if the cable is loose."
"Listen for the click as the two cogs engage with each other."
How to use engage
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo involve or connect with something — attention, conflict, employment, or mechanical parts, depending on context.
Common pairings
engage the audience
engage in conversation
engage a lawyer
engage the clutch
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- engages
- Past tense
- engaged
Fill the gap
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The speaker _____ the audience with vivid stories.
Etymology
From Old French engagier ("to pledge"), from Frankish roots related to Proto-Germanic wadjōną ("to pledge, secure") — ultimately the same root as "wed."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for engage
See all rhymes for engage →Frequently asked questions
What does “engage” mean?
The word “engage” means to hold someone's attention or interest. In plain terms, to involve or connect with something — attention, conflict, employment, or mechanical parts, depending on context.
How do you pronounce “engage”?
“Engage” is pronounced ihn-GAYJ (/ɪnˈɡeɪd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “engage” in a sentence?
Here is “engage” used in a sentence: “The speaker engaged the audience with vivid stories.”
What is the opposite of “engage”?
The opposite of “engage” — its antonyms — is disengage.
What part of speech is “engage”?
“Engage” is a verb.
Where does the word “engage” come from?
The word “engage” comes from Old French. From Old French engagier ("to pledge"), from Frankish roots related to Proto-Germanic wadjōną ("to pledge, secure") — ultimately the same root as "wed.".
Is “engage” a common word?
“Engage” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “engage” have?
“Engage” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to hold someone's attention or interest.
What is the difference between "engage in" and "engage with"?
You "engage in" an activity, meaning you take part in it, as in "engage in conversation" or "engage in negotiations." You "engage with" a person, idea, or piece of material, meaning you give it serious attention or interact with it, as in "students who engage with the text."
What is the difference between engage and involve?
"Involve" simply means to include someone or something in an activity or situation. "Engage" goes further, implying that attention or interest is actively held; a lesson can involve every student without truly engaging any of them.
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