B2verb1K

Engage

UK /["/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/","/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪz/","/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/","/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/","/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪz/","/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/","/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to succeed in attracting and keeping somebody’s attention and interest

In simple words: To participate in something or attract someone's attention.

Examples

  • We need to engage the audience with our presentation to keep their attention.
  • The company's goal is to engage more customers through social media.
  • It’s important to engage in conversations about important issues.
  • He decided to engage a lawyer to help with his legal issues.
  • The two countries agreed to engage in discussions for peace.
  • If you engage the gears correctly, the machine will operate smoothly.
  • To fully engage with the text, you should take notes while reading.
  • Students are encouraged to engage critically with the material in class.

Usage notes

Use 'engage' in contexts like discussions or activities. It can be formal for business settings and neutral for everyday conversations. Avoid in very casual or slang situations.

Grammar pattern

engage + object

Memory hint

Think of 'engage' like a 'gear' that gets you into action.

Collocations

  • actively
  • constructively
  • openly
  • fail to
  • refuse to
  • with
  • attempt to
  • seek to
  • try to
  • actively
  • constructively
  • openly
  • fail to
  • refuse to
  • with
  • attempt to
  • seek to
  • try to

Synonyms

  • involve
  • participate
  • capture
  • entertain
  • attract

Antonyms

  • disengage
  • ignore
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'enrage' – different meanings.
  • Using 'engage' without an object, which can sound incomplete.
  • Mixing up the forms, like using 'engaged' as a verb instead of an adjective.