thoroughly engrossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly engrossed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is completely absorbed or captivated by something, such as a book, movie, or activity. Example: "She was thoroughly engrossed in the novel, losing track of time as she turned each page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The measure of their accomplishment is that you can be thoroughly engrossed in both films, even if you go in with no great passion for their subjects.

The New York Times

If I was HBO, I'd employ a team of professional spoilers who instead of suing or looking for prison terms, would simply spend the next 10 years tracking what individual downloaders were watching, allow them to get thoroughly engrossed, then send anonymous messages, revealing whodunnit and spoiling the big plot twist.

Independent

I was also thoroughly engrossed with his command of the material, his methodical attack plan, the twinkle at every turn, and the barely-suppressed outrage he would have at something he thought was unjust or dishonorable.

Huffington Post

Despite seeing it on a plane, which is not the ideal place to immerse oneself in a movie - although it made the movie's scenes of a zombie-filled crash landing particularly harrowing - I was thoroughly engrossed.

Huffington Post

"There is no more rewarding experience in life than being part of an audience where everybody is leaning forward in silence, thoroughly engrossed by a great performance of a masterpiece," one commenter wrote.

Huffington Post

This story originally appeared in the June 4 edition of Model D. Their ankles flip-flopping behind them as they lay on their bellies, 826michigan volunteer tutor Merideth Garcia and University Prep Academy fifth-grader Emetrionna are perched up on elbows, thoroughly engrossed in a writing assignment in the third floor common area of the school.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

To be perfectly honest, part of my difficulty with conducting my review of these things is that every time I put them on to thoroughly consider music through them I became so engrossed that I lost my train of thought.

TechCrunch

But the twists and turns of the central characters will keep you engrossed, the novel is very readable, and I thoroughly enjoyed the portrayal of the heroine Eva, an introverted, self‑contained woman one cannot help liking.

The Guardian - Books

He is wholly engrossed.

Independent

Smith was engrossed.

The New York Times - Sports

Zac was immediately engrossed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly engrossed" to vividly depict a state of deep concentration or absorption, particularly when emphasizing the captivating nature of the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly engrossed" excessively in formal or academic writing. While appropriate in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "completely captivated" or "deeply immersed" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly engrossed" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being completely absorbed or captivated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly engrossed" is a useful adjectival phrase to describe a state of deep absorption or captivation. Ludwig AI confirms it as correct English. While it appears most frequently in news and media, it can be used in various contexts to emphasize strong engagement. When aiming for clarity and precision, consider alternatives like "completely captivated" or "utterly absorbed" to avoid repetition and maintain a sophisticated tone. Remember to use this phrase to vividly depict a state of intense concentration, making your writing more engaging and descriptive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely captivated

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the subject, leading to complete absorption.

utterly absorbed

Highlights the depth of absorption, suggesting a total focus.

deeply immersed

Focuses on the feeling of being surrounded and enveloped by the subject.

wholly consumed

Indicates that one's attention and energy are entirely taken up by something.

totally fascinated

Highlights the element of fascination leading to deep engagement.

gripped

Suggests being held tightly by the subject, unable to look away.

riveted

Implies being fixed in place by the intensity of one's focus.

rapt

Indicates being carried away by the experience, often in a blissful state.

spellbound

Suggests being enchanted or mesmerized by something.

preoccupied

Indicates being primarily focused on something to the exclusion of other things.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly engrossed" in a sentence?

"Thoroughly engrossed" describes a state of being deeply absorbed or captivated by something. For example, "She was thoroughly engrossed in the book and didn't notice the time passing."

What's a good alternative to "thoroughly engrossed"?

Alternatives include "completely captivated", "utterly absorbed", or "deeply immersed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "thoroughly engrossed" formal or informal?

"Thoroughly engrossed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing. In highly formal settings, you might prefer a more elevated synonym.

What is the difference between "engrossed" and "thoroughly engrossed"?

While both describe being absorbed, "thoroughly engrossed" intensifies the feeling. "Engrossed" simply means being occupied or interested, while "thoroughly engrossed" implies a complete and intense level of absorption.