adjective

engaged

Involved in an activity or committed to marrying someone.

The students stay engaged as they work on their project.

Etymology

The French source concerns a pledge or binding commitment. Engaged can describe being occupied in an activity or having made the particular promise to marry.

More examples

  • She is fully engaged in planning the community picnic.
  • My sister is engaged to her college sweetheart.
  • They have been engaged for six months.

Forms

engaged

engage verb — To involve someone in an activity.

engagement noun — Active involvement or a promise to marry.

Similar words

involved
Emphasizes participation, without suggesting a commitment to marry.
betrothed
Means promised in marriage, but sounds more formal.