Engage Meaning
Engage Definition & Usage
To involve or participate in an activity or conversation.
Examples
- "He decided to engage in the discussion about climate change at the meeting."
- "The teacher tried to engage the students by using interactive methods."
- "The company is looking for volunteers to engage in community service."
- "They engaged in a friendly debate about politics during lunch."
- "I engaged with the software for several hours, exploring all its features."
To attract or hold someone's attention or interest.
Examples
- "The movie's opening scene immediately engaged the audience."
- "His charismatic personality engages everyone around him."
- "The novel was so gripping that it engaged me from start to finish."
- "She used compelling visuals to engage her viewers during the presentation."
- "The artist's work engages a wide range of emotions in the viewer."
To enter into combat or conflict with an opponent.
Examples
- "The troops engaged the enemy forces at dawn."
- "The two armies were expected to engage in battle by the end of the week."
- "He was wounded when his unit engaged the insurgents."
- "The navy engaged the pirate ship in a fierce firefight."
- "The soldiers engaged in a tactical operation to neutralize the threat."
To operate or activate a mechanism or device.
Examples
- "She engaged the machine by pressing the start button."
- "To begin the process, you need to engage the clutch."
- "The engine failed to engage properly when the driver turned the key."
- "The door won't engage properly unless you align the latch correctly."
- "The technician engaged the emergency brake to prevent further damage."
Cultural Context
'Engage' is a versatile word that has evolved from its early use in the 14th century to mean 'to pledge' or 'to commit' to its current range of meanings. It can imply involvement, attention, or interaction, and is often used in both casual and formal settings.
The Art of Engagement
Story
The Art of Engagement
At the community center, a group of volunteers was gathered to discuss their upcoming project to refurbish a local park. Among them was Elena, who had recently moved to the town, and Ben, a veteran volunteer. As they sat around a table covered in blueprints and paint samples, the conversation quickly became engaging, with everyone sharing ideas about what would make the park more inclusive for people of all ages. 'What if we created a space for both children and the elderly to enjoy?' Elena asked, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Ben, who had been engaged in countless similar projects before, smiled. 'That's a great idea, Elena. But remember, we need to engage with the local community to get their input before we finalize anything.' The discussion continued, each volunteer passionately engaging with one another's suggestions, all while making sure to involve the broader community. At one point, the group shifted their focus to fundraising. 'We’ll need to engage some businesses to sponsor the event,' suggested Ben. As the meeting ended, Elena stayed behind to help Ben lock up. 'You were right about one thing,' she said, 'it’s all about engaging people—whether it's the community or the businesses.' Ben chuckled. 'Exactly. And the most successful projects are those where everyone is fully engaged.' That evening, Elena couldn’t help but reflect on how involved she had become in the town’s efforts and how much more fulfilling it was to engage with people in meaningful ways.
Related Words
