Engage Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈɛn.ɡeɪdʒ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun and Verb

Definition

A verb meaning to participate or take part in an activity or event; a noun referring to the act of participating or taking part.

Examples

• He decided to engage with the online community by commenting on the post.
• The charity event aimed to engage the local community in a day of volunteering.

Synonyms

• Participate
• Involves
• Join

Antonyms

• Withdraw
• Disengage

Etymology

The word “engage” comes from the Old French “engagier,” meaning “to pledge or promise.” It has been used as both a noun and verb since the 15th century.

Usage Notes

When using “engage” as a verb, it often implies a sense of commitment or investment in an activity or event. As a noun, it can refer to the act of participating or taking part in something.

Cultural References

The word “engage” has been referenced in various forms of media, including films, literature, and music. For example, the 1995 film “Get Shorty” features a character named Ray, who is described as someone who likes to “engage” in heated debates.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Engage brain before engaging mouth
• To engage someone’s attention

Related Words or Phrases

Commitment, investment, participation, involvement, involvement, implication

Collocations

• Engage in/with
• Engage someone/ something

Frequency of Use

The word “engage” is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, with a frequency of around 10 per million words.

Common Misspellings

• Enage
• Engee