engrossment

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "engrossment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the state of being deeply engrossed in something, such as a book, activity, or conversation. For example, "My engrossment in the novel kept me up late into the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

For all their daring and austerity, these works cannot replicate the peculiar engrossment of Krasznahorkai's prose (nor, of course, do they exactly seek to).

The New Yorker

And at any rate I have the comfortable feeling that none of our entrants for the Davis Cup will have been kept off the playing fields of Eton by a reprehensible engrossment in my novels".

The Guardian - Books

In his autobiography, "The Facts," Roth called Chicago "the best place in America... to find intellectual liveliness, and to stand, if not necessarily in rebellious opposition, at least at a heartening distance from the prospering society's engrossment with consuming goods and watching TV".

The New Yorker

Rather, as these four phases of interest map onto the phases of engrossment and reflection, interest is an expression of many-sidedness, namely its activity in the world.

SEP

At the same time, engrossment is a kind of seclusion, whereas interest is an opening up of the person in and to the world.[72] Step by step, the teacher must lead the pupil to become an interested, active learner, who desires not to possess knowledge, but to hover "between merely spectating [on the one hand] and grasping [on the other]" (cf. SW II: 42).

SEP

Work that concentrates the mind and relationships that are engrossing seem central to meaning and to be so because of the subjective element involved, that is, because of the concentration and engrossment.

SEP

Now, the child's natural engrossment in its activities must be respected as symbols of its individuality.

SEP

While the phases of engrossment are natural to all human beings, it is obvious that in themselves they have no direction or organizing principle.[71] The teacher does not simply give the principle to the child.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In a series of funny, bleak, radically unsentimental novels, she has examined the engrossments of such life and has pored over the social genetics of family inheritance — the unhappiness we bequeath, the pleasure we inherit, the tyranny of biological contingency.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic and professional writing, "engrossment" can add a sophisticated nuance to describe focus, surpassing simpler terms like 'interest' or 'attention'.

Common error

Avoid using "engrossment" to describe casual interest. This word implies a profound level of absorption, so ensure it aligns with the intensity of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The noun "engrossment" functions primarily as a descriptor of a state or condition. It denotes the act of being completely occupied or absorbed in something, whether it be an activity, thought, or object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engrossment" is a grammatically sound noun that describes a state of being deeply absorbed or occupied with something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While it isn't the most commonly used word, it finds its place in formal writing, particularly in news media and scientific contexts, to convey a profound level of focus. When choosing this word, consider the intensity of the focus you're describing and ensure that the context aligns with the word's formal tone. Remember, synonyms like "absorption" or "preoccupation" might better suit less formal scenarios or when a slightly different nuance is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorption

Focuses more on the complete mental and emotional involvement.

preoccupation

Emphasizes the dominance of a particular thought or concern.

immersion

Suggests being deeply involved as if submerged in an activity.

concentration

Highlights the act of focusing one's attention.

fascination

Indicates a strong interest and attraction.

obsession

Suggests an excessive and often unhealthy preoccupation.

involvement

Implies participation or engagement.

dedication

Emphasizes commitment and focused effort.

devotion

Suggests a strong emotional attachment and commitment.

engagement

Focuses on active participation and interest.

FAQs

How can I use "engrossment" in a sentence?

You can use "engrossment" to describe a state of being completely absorbed in something. For example, "Her "engrossment" in the book made her oblivious to the noise around her."

What are some synonyms for "engrossment"?

Alternatives to "engrossment" include "absorption", "preoccupation", and "immersion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "engrossment" a formal word?

Yes, "engrossment" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for academic, professional, or literary contexts. In more casual settings, simpler words like "interest" or "focus" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "engrossment" and "interest"?

"Engrossment" implies a deeper level of involvement and absorption than "interest". While interest suggests a general liking or curiosity, "engrossment" suggests a state of being completely captivated and absorbed.