Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions History

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.
  1. 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
  2. "One of the most engrossing novels we have ever read.
    — from A Rose of Yesterday by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
  3. Thou,” she says to the Gifted, “art the object of my first and all-engrossing passion.
    — from The Lamplighter by Charles Dickens
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. My duties as Lord Chancellor were too engrossing.
    — from Before the War by Haldane, R. B. Haldane (Richard Burdon Haldane), Viscount
  7. [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
  8. 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

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux