What is engage? Pronunciation and usage in English

engage means . Learn how to pronounce and use engage through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of engage

engageverb

/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ//ɛnˈɡeɪdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of engage

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "engage" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɪˈɡeɪndʒ/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ɪ – as in "bit" (a short, quick 'i' sound)
  2. ˈgeɪ – This is the tricky part! It sounds like "gay" (the emotion, not the color). The stress (the emphasis) is clearly on this syllable. It's a diphthong (a gliding sound) – it starts like a short "i" and moves towards a "e" sound.
  3. ndʒ – pronounced like the "nj" in "sing" or "finger." Think of it as a single, blended sound.

Putting it together: "Ih-GEY-nj"

Here are some tips:

  • Don't say "en-gage" like you would a noun. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "engage" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/engage/) - This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce engage" – you'll find many videos.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word engage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "engage" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its primary uses:

1. To Become Involved (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To become actively involved in something; to participate.
  • Examples:
    • "I want to engage myself in a community project." (Become involved)
    • "The students were encouraged to engage with the material." (Participate)
    • "She wants to engage in a conversation about politics." (Start and participate in a conversation)
    • “The audience didn’t engage with the speaker; they were just scrolling on their phones.” (Didn’t participate)

2. To Attract or Capture Attention

  • Meaning: To attract someone's interest, attention, or involvement.
  • Examples:
    • "The advertisement was designed to engage the viewer." (Attract attention)
    • "A good story must engage the reader from the first page." (Capture interest)
    • "The museum uses interactive exhibits to engage visitors." (Capture attention and draw them in)

3. To Connect or Link (Mechanical/Technical)

  • Meaning: To connect or fix something together; to lock in place. This usage is more formal and often used in technical contexts.
  • Examples:
    • "The mechanic will engage the gears." (Connect/lock)
    • "The clutch needs to be fully engaged." (Fully connected)
    • "The bolt was engaged with a wrench.” (Mechanically fastened)

4. To Confront or Face (Often with difficulty)

  • Meaning: To confront or come to terms with something difficult or challenging.
  • Examples:
    • “He decided to engage with his grief rather than try to avoid it.” (Confront)
    • "The company is engaged in a legal battle." (Facing a legal challenge)
    • "She was engaged to a man she no longer loved." (Facing a difficult relationship)

5. (Specifically - Marriage) To Be Maritaly Committed

  • Meaning: (Formal) To be engaged to be married.
  • Examples: “They are engaged and planning their wedding.”

Key Phrases & Variations

  • Engage with: This is a very common phrase meaning "to interact with" or "to communicate with." (e.g., "Engage with your customers.")
  • Engage someone: To involve someone, attract their attention, or start a conversation with them. (e.g., "The speaker engaged the audience.")
  • Engaging: (adjective) Meaning interesting, exciting, or captivating. (e.g., “It’s an engaging book.”)

Tips for Choosing the Right Meaning

  • Context is key! The surrounding words and situation will usually make it clear which meaning of "engage" is intended.
  • Consider the subject: Is it about people, machines, abstract concepts, or a relationship?

Could you give me a sentence you'd like me to analyze, or a specific situation you're wondering how to use "engage" in? That way, I can give you a more targeted explanation.

Synonyms for the word engage

Practice with vocabulary engage

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To truly learn a new skill, students must actively ______ with the material and apply it.
  2. The company aims to ______ its workforce through various professional development programs and team-building activities.
  3. Successful public speakers always strive to capture the audience's ______ from the very beginning of their presentation.
  4. Before making a final decision, it's crucial to ______ all available data and consult with subject matter experts.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words can correctly complete the sentence: "It's essential for employees to ______ in continuous learning to stay competitive." a) partake b) engage c) participate d) join

  2. To foster a collaborative environment, managers should actively ______ their team members in decision-making processes. a) involve b) engross c) engage d) absorb

  3. The professor managed to ______ the entire lecture hall with her captivating presentation style. a) captivate b) entertain c) interest d) engage

  4. Which word best describes the action of formally committing to a cause or agreement? a) involve b) pledge c) undertake d) engross

  5. She needed to ______ all her resources to complete the complex project on time. a) utilize b) employ c) consume d) exhaust

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Many professionals feel it is crucial to continually update their skills and knowledge.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "engage" or a related word form.

  2. The lecturer managed to capture the audience's full attention with the interactive nature of her presentation.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "engage" or a related word form.

  3. Businesses need to make sure their employees feel involved and connected to the company's goals.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word, do not use "engage" or its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. engage
  2. engage
  3. attention
  4. analyze

Exercise 2:

  1. a) partake, b) engage, c) participate
  2. a) involve, c) engage
  3. a) captivate, b) entertain, c) interest, d) engage
  4. b) pledge, c) undertake
  5. a) utilize, b) employ, d) exhaust

Exercise 3:

  1. Many professionals feel it is crucial to engage in continual professional development.
  2. The lecturer managed to engage the audience fully with the interactive nature of her presentation.
  3. Businesses need to make sure their employees participate actively in achieving company goals.

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