verb B1 Intermediate Common

engage

ihn-GAYJ

Engage (verb) means to hold someone's attention or interest. Example: “The speaker engaged the audience with vivid stories.”

verb

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."

To enter into conflict or battle with an opponent.

"The two fleets engaged at dawn."

To arrange to employ or hire someone, or to book a service.

"The firm engaged a consultant to review its finances."

To interlock or mesh, as with gears or machine parts.

"Release the clutch slowly so the gears engage smoothly."

How to use engage

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

engaged past tense, engages singular

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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."

Origin: Old French

Synonyms

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captivate absorb occupy involve attract confront

Antonyms

disengage

Related words

face interest include learn avoid worry pull concern

Rhymes for engage

age wage cage page rage gage sage mage usage image stage adage

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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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