engrossing

Engrossing is an adjective meaning that something fully captures and holds a person’s attention; it can also describe the act of engrossing as a verb. When a book, film, discussion, or other work is described as engrossing, it is considered highly absorbing or compelling, often to the point of excluding other concerns.

The base verb engross means to occupy completely. Engrossing as a participle describes ongoing quality; related forms include engrossed (past tense) and engrossing (present participle). The word derives from Middle English en grossen, from Old French engrosser, from gros meaning large.

In legal and formal drafting, engrossing refers to preparing an official, final copy of a document, such as a bill. An engrossment is the resulting document, and the act of preparing it is engrossment.

Usage notes: Engrossing is common in literary and formal criticism and is often used for works that actively pull the reader or viewer into their subject. It carries a positive connotation of deep engagement, but can be neutral or descriptive rather than evaluative. Related terms include engross, engrossment, and engrossed.