engage
Translation
to engage, to occupy, to hire, to get involved
Examples
The book engaged my interest from the first page.
The book engaged my interest from the first page.
We need to engage with the local community.
We need to engage with the local community.
They got engaged last year.
They got engaged last year.
The gears engage when you press the clutch.
The gears engage when you press the clutch.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to attract and hold (sth., like attention) The speaker engaged the audience's attention.
((in sth.)) to take part in (sth.) She engages in volunteer work every weekend.
((with sb./sth.)) to establish a connection with (sb./sth.) The company wants to engage with its customers.
((sb.)) ((as sth.)) to hire (sb.) for a job We engaged a lawyer to handle the case.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old French 'engager' (to pledge). 'en-' (in) + 'gage' (a pledge). It originally meant to bind by a pledge.
Memory Tips
Think of an 'engagement' ring as a pledge that 'engages' or involves two people. This idea of involvement extends to other meanings.