engaged crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword puzzles! If you're stuck on the clue "engaged," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, ranging in length and meaning, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "engaged crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BUSY: Actively occupied with something; currently in use (e.g., a phone line).
5 Letters
HIRED: Employed or taken on for a job or service.
6 Letters
ACTIVE: Participating or involved in an activity; busy.
MESHED: (Of mechanical parts, especially gears) interlocked or in gear.
8 Letters
OCCUPIED: In use; busy; taken up by someone or something.
INVOLVED: Participating in an activity or situation; committed to something.
PLIGHTED: An older or more formal term for being formally engaged, particularly to be married, or to promise solemnly.
9 Letters
BETROTHED: Formally engaged to be married; promised in marriage.
More About "engaged crossword clue"
The word "engaged" is a fascinating clue in crosswords due to its rich polysemy – having multiple related meanings. This allows setters a lot of creative freedom, but can sometimes leave solvers scratching their heads. The key to cracking "engaged" often lies in examining the surrounding words in the clue for subtle hints at its intended definition, whether it's about being busy, romantically committed, or even mechanically connected.
Understanding the nuances of "engaged" can significantly improve your crossword-solving prowess. For instance, an "engaged" phone line is "BUSY" or "OCCUPIED," while an "engaged" couple is "BETROTHED." Mechanical "engagement" refers to gears that are "MESHED." Paying attention to the context and the required letter count are your best strategies when encountering this versatile clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always look at the entire clue. Words accompanying "engaged" will guide you to the correct meaning (e.g., "engaged in conversation," "engaged to be married," "engaged gears").
- Consider Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your most reliable hint. If you have few letters, look for common short answers like BUSY. For longer answers, consider more specific terms like BETROTHED.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword setters love to play with words. "Engaged" might not always refer to the most common definition. Consider less frequent synonyms or even cryptic interpretations if the clue hints at it.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to test potential answers for "engaged." This can quickly confirm or rule out possibilities.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "engaged" mean in a crossword context?
"Engaged" in crosswords is a versatile word with multiple meanings. It can refer to being busy, committed (as in a relationship), or mechanically interlocked (like gears). The specific context within the clue is crucial to determine the correct answer.
How can I tell which meaning of "engaged" a crossword clue refers to?
Look for accompanying words or phrases in the clue. For example, if the clue is "Engaged in conversation," the answer might relate to being 'BUSY' or 'OCCUPIED'. If it's "Engaged to be married," look for 'BETROTHED' or 'PLIGHTED'. If it hints at machinery, 'MESHED' might be the answer. The number of letters required will also significantly narrow down possibilities.
Are "engaged" clues usually straightforward?
While "engaged" clues can have multiple valid interpretations, skilled crossword setters typically provide enough additional context or wordplay within the clue to lead you to the intended meaning. They might use synonyms, anagrams, or cryptic elements to guide you, making them solvable with careful consideration and attention to detail.