Literary notes about engrossing (AI summary)
In literature, "engrossing" functions as an adjective that conveys a profound absorption of thought or attention. It is often used to describe narratives, conversations, or passions that captivate the mind—whether referring to a single, acute point of focus that overwhelms a character’s attention [1] or to a novel that is described as one of the most engrossing ever read [2]. The word can highlight both emotional and intellectual preoccupations, such as when an individual declares a deep, all-consuming passion for another [3] or when the pressing nature of a subject unites minds in political debate [4, 5]. At times, the term even extends to denote occupations or pursuits that completely occupy one’s time [6, 7]. Additionally, its reach goes beyond mere narrative description, at times entering economic discourse as in the trade of engrossers [8]. In every context, "engrossing" enriches the text by emphasizing how a subject or situation irresistibly draws and holds attention.
- He broke and crumbled his bread with both hands, his mind still intent on that one engrossing, acute point.
— from Master of His Fate by J. Maclaren (James Maclaren) Cobban - "One of the most engrossing novels we have ever read.
— from A Rose of Yesterday by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford - Thou,” she says to the Gifted, “art the object of my first and all-engrossing passion.
— from The Lamplighter by Charles Dickens - For a long while before the appointed time is at hand the election becomes the most important and the all-engrossing topic of discussion.
— from Democracy in America — Volume 1 by Alexis de Tocqueville - Above all, their thoughts were filled with the engrossing subject of their liberty.
— from On the Road to Bagdad: A Story of Townshend's Gallant Advance on the Tigris by F. S. (Frederick Sadleir) Brereton - My duties as Lord Chancellor were too engrossing.
— from Before the War by Haldane, R. B. Haldane (Richard Burdon Haldane), Viscount - [362] As it was, however, Philip excused himself on the plea of engrossing occupations.
— from History of the Rise of the HuguenotsVolume 2 by Henry Martyn Baird - By engrossing , is meant the trade of engrossers —men who buy up all that can be got of a particular commodity, then raise the price.
— from Bacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the Ancients by Francis Bacon