VocabDictionary

engaging

/ɪnˈɡeɪ.dʒɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Charming, attractive, or pleasing in a way that catches and holds one's attention.

Example Sentences:
  • She had an engaging smile that instantly put everyone in the room at ease.
  • The documentary was highly engaging, keeping the audience hooked from start to finish.
2.verb

Present participle of engage: participating, involving oneself, or interlocking.

Example Sentences:
  • They were warned against engaging in any suspicious financial transactions.
  • The mechanism works by engaging the clutch before shifting gears.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “engaging”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'engage', which traces back to the Middle French 'engager' (meaning to pledge or bind), from 'en-' (in) + 'gage' (pledge). The adjectival sense of being charming, attractive, or drawing favorable attention developed in the early 17th century.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'engaging' as 'engaging gears'—just as gears lock together and hold, an engaging person locks and holds your attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About “engaging

1. What is the meaning of “engaging” in English?

In English, engaging (adjective) is defined as: “Charming, attractive, or pleasing in a way that catches and holds one's attention.”.

2. How do you use “engaging” in a sentence?

She had an engaging smile that instantly put everyone in the room at ease.

3. What are English synonyms of “engaging”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “engaging”?

Derived from the verb 'engage', which traces back to the Middle French 'engager' (meaning to pledge or bind), from 'en-' (in) + 'gage' (pledge). The adjectival sense of being charming, attractive, or drawing favorable attention developed in the early 17th century.