engrossing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engrossing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very interesting or absorbing, capturing one's full attention. Example: "The novel was so engrossing that I couldn't put it down until I finished it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His brilliant debut collection, "Light Lifting", is engrossing, thrilling and ultimately satisfying; each story has the weight of a novel.

The Economist

Detail by engrossing detail, Mr Caro exposes the seemingly innocuous stratagems and quiet favours to his seniors by which Johnson transformed himself into the master of the Senate.Mr Caro's centrepiece is the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

The Economist

Sembène takes this brilliant scenario (based on a true story) and turns it into a chess game of multiple characters, an engrossing drama about African religion and, underneath that, a film about African pride.

The Guardian - Film

iPhone / iPad TouchTone (£2.29) Get your NSA on with this stylish security-themed game, where you have to decrypt suspicious messages to "help make our nation safer and stronger!" The satirical intent is clear, but this is also an engrossing puzzler.

The Guardian - Tech

Linda Newbery's Sisterland displays a profound understanding of the complexities of human experience, as well as being an engrossing read with a highly sympathetic main character.

The Guardian

But what makes it such an engrossing read is his almost hallucinatory attention to detail: the frozen-rigid clothes limiting his movements, the blisters in his fingers turning to ice, and the maddening wide-open twilight of the Antarctic.

The Guardian - Books

His account of Amsterdam's physical growth is just as engrossing.

The Economist

So engrossing was the talk that they hardly noticed the liveried footmen moving discreetly in the background; they were guests of Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, who had invited 40 Brazilians to mull the future of the rainforest.In common with many other indigenous activists, Almir (who uses his tribe's name as a surname when he needs one) is anything but shy or provincial.

The Economist

She had had it remade so completely that she became not a cat as she wanted but a bogey, a frightful object-lesson, repeated in column after column, about beauty and its evil twin, vanity.Beauty is an engrossing, if troubling, subject.

The Economist

In this engrossing, well-written insider's account of his time as the CIA station chief in Pakistan and later as a senior bureaucrat at its Langley headquarters, he was drawn, he says, to a career that offered the possibility of high achievement and, because of the risk, some abject failure.

The Economist

That is why the first half of the book, from the 1930s to the 1960s, is by far the more engrossing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engrossing" when you want to emphasize that something completely occupies someone's attention and time, offering a sense of deep immersion.

Common error

Avoid using "engrossing" to describe mildly interesting things. Reserve it for experiences that truly capture the imagination and focus.

Linguistic Context

The word "engrossing" primarily functions as an adjective. It describes something that is completely captivating and holds one's attention. According to Ludwig AI, this word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Engrossing" is an adjective that describes something deeply captivating and attention-grabbing. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and encyclopedias. The word implies a sense of complete immersion and sustained focus, making it a powerful descriptor for books, movies, or experiences. While versatile, it's best reserved for truly captivating subjects to maintain its impact. Synonyms include "captivating", "absorbing", and "fascinating", each offering slightly different shades of meaning. Understanding these nuances can help writers choose the most appropriate word for their intended effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivating

Focuses more on the charm and allure that attracts and holds interest.

absorbing

Highlights the ability to completely take in and occupy one's attention.

fascinating

Emphasizes the quality of being extremely interesting and delightful.

compelling

Suggests an irresistible force that draws attention and interest.

riveting

Implies a strong and inescapable hold on one's attention, like being physically fixed.

enthralling

Conveys a magical or spellbinding quality that captivates the mind.

spellbinding

Indicates a powerful, almost magical attraction that holds attention.

gripping

Focuses on the intensity and excitement that tightly holds one's attention.

intriguing

Highlights the mysterious or curious nature that sparks and maintains interest.

arresting

Emphasizes the sudden and powerful impact that immediately captures attention.

FAQs

How can I use "engrossing" in a sentence?

You can use "engrossing" to describe something that captures your full attention, like "The movie was so "engrossing" that I forgot about everything else."

What are some synonyms for "engrossing"?

Alternatives to "engrossing" include "captivating", "absorbing", and "fascinating", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it appropriate to use "engrossing" in formal writing?

Yes, "engrossing" is suitable for formal writing. It's often used in reviews or academic analyses to describe the quality of a work.

What's the difference between "engrossing" and "interesting"?

"Interesting" means something piques your curiosity, while "engrossing" implies a deeper level of immersion and complete focus. Something "engrossing" commands your undivided attention.