What does it mean to engross oneself in an activity?

To engross oneself in an activity means to devote fully to the task, immersing oneself completely in what one is doing. When someone is engrossed in an activity, their focus and attention are fully dedicated to it, often to the extent that they may lose track of time or become oblivious to distractions around them. This level of engagement often leads to a deeper understanding or a greater enjoyment of the activity.

The interpretation of being “engrossed” emphasizes a strong, singular focus that is not shared or divided among other tasks. In contrast, sharing attention with others, partially engaging, or avoiding the task entirely all imply a different level or quality of involvement that does not align with the definition of engrossing oneself.