Engage

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/

Definitions

• To occupy or attract someone's attention or interest.
• To participate or become involved in something.
• To hire or employ someone for a job or task.
• To enter into combat or conflict with someone or something.
• To cause a mechanism or device to operate or start functioning.

Usage Examples

• She tried to engage him in a conversation about politics.
• The company engaged several new employees last month.
• The army engaged the enemy forces at dawn.
• The company engaged in extensive research to improve the product.
• He engaged the machine by pressing the button.

Etymology

From Middle French "engager" (to pledge, commit, or bind), derived from Old French "engager," which means to pledge or place in pawn. The word stems from the combination of "en-" (in) and "gage" (pledge), originally meaning to bind oneself by a pledge or commitment. The sense of "to hire or employ" developed later, as did its modern meanings of "to occupy or involve." The term has evolved to include modern uses in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as engaging in a conversation or battle.

Synonyms

• Participate
• Involve
• Occupy
• Interact
• Hire
• Employ
• Attract

Antonyms

• Disengage
• Avoid
• Ignore
• Shun
• Dismiss

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "engage" can differ slightly depending on the accent and region. In American English, the pronunciation might emphasize the second syllable more, while in British English, it is often pronounced with equal stress on both syllables. In some non-native English-speaking countries, variations may occur based on the native language's phonetic structure.

Historical Usage

The verb "engage" dates back to the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French "engager," meaning "to pledge" or "to involve." Over time, its meaning expanded to cover a range of actions, from engaging in a conversation to engaging in warfare. It became a term commonly used in the military context to mean entering into combat or action.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the concept of engagement involves not just a literal action but a social or emotional investment. For example, in business contexts, engaging with customers may go beyond transactional interactions to build lasting relationships. Similarly, in many countries, engaging in social or political discussions is seen as a civic duty, reflecting an individual's active participation in society.

More Information

The word "engage" has broad usage across different fields, such as business, military, education, and technology. It can refer to taking part in an activity, employing someone for a specific purpose, or even initiating action in various contexts. Over time, the word has come to signify much more than just physical involvement—it can also indicate a mental or emotional commitment, as seen in the phrase "engage in learning" or "engage emotionally." Its versatility makes it a key term in both everyday language and specialized sectors.