Dictionary
preoccupied
adjective pre·oc·cu·pied \(ˌ)prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd\
: thinking about something a lot or too much
Full Definition of PREOCCUPIED
1
: previously applied to another group and unavailable for use in a new sense —used of a biological generic or specific name
2
a : lost in thought; also : absorbed in some preoccupation b : already occupied
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First Known Use of PREOCCUPIED
1842
Related to PREOCCUPIED
- Synonyms
- absent, abstracted, distracted, absentminded
- Antonyms
- alert
Synonym Discussion of PREOCCUPIED
abstracted, preoccupied, absent, absentminded, distracted mean inattentive to what claims or demands consideration. abstracted implies absorption of the mind in something other than one's surroundings, and often suggests reflection on weighty matters <walking about with an abstracted air>. preoccupied often implies having one's attention so taken up by thoughts as to neglect others <too preoccupied with her debts to enjoy the meal>. absent stresses inability to fix the mind on present concerns due more to mental wandering than to concentration on other matters <an absent stare>. absentminded implies that the mind is fixed elsewhere and often refers to a habit of abstractedness <so absentminded, he's been known to wear mismatched shoes>. distracted may suggest an inability to concentrate caused by worry, sorrow, or anxiety <was too distracted by grief to continue working>.
Rhymes with PREOCCUPIED
PREOCCUPIED Defined for Kids
preoccupied
adjective pre·oc·cu·pied \prē-ˈä-kyə-ˌpīd\
Definition of PREOCCUPIED for Kids
: thinking about or worrying about one thing a great deal <The kittens played right in front of him, but the Emperor was too preoccupied to notice. — Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat>
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