engagement English · revision 6082

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1624}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ.mənt/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[engage]] and the suffix [[-ment]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) after [[fr|engagement]], from [[m|fr|engager|t=to pledge]].^(NODE 1998)^(SOED 2002) Engage is from French [[m|fr|en|t=in]] and [[m|fr|gage|t=pledge]] (see [[gage]]).^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A formal promise, agreement or undertaking: 1624 in Barnhart and the OED, the 1620s in Etymonline.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) MWU gives 1601 as its first known use.^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ In the 17th century it also meant a mortgage or encumbrance (1630) and a moral or legal obligation, a tie of duty (1627), both obsolete.^(OED 1989) A battle between armies or fleets is from the 1660s.^(Etymonline) The state of being promised in marriage is from 1742 in Fielding, in the plural,^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) and in the singular first in Dickens's letters in 1859;^(Barnhart 1988) the [[engagement ring]] is attested by 1840.^(Etymonline) An appointment with another person is from 1806,^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) a salaried post from 1884,^(OED 1989) and in the plural, commercial promises to pay, from 1848.^(OED 1989) Mechanical engagement, the meshing of parts such as gears, and engagement with an issue or a cause are in the AHD and Collins.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1624 – a formal promise.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1660s – a battle.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1742 – a promise of marriage, in Fielding.^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)

+ * 1806 – an appointment.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+ * 1840 – engagement ring.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1884 – a salaried post.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # An agreement to marry; [[betrothal]], or the period during which a couple are engaged.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # An arrangement to meet or be present somewhere at a certain time; an [[appointment]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A battle or fight between armed forces.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # A period of paid work, as of a performer.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The meshing of mechanical parts, as of [[gear|alt=gears]].^(AHD)

+ # Involvement or commitment, as with an issue.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[nonengagement]]

+ * [[disengagement]]

+ * [[reengagement]]

+ * [[engagement ring]]

+ * [[rule of engagement]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[engage]]

+ * [[gage]]

+ * [[wage]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ The AHD compares engagement with [[appointment]], [[assignation]], [[date]], [[rendezvous]] and [[tryst]], which all denote a commitment to be at a certain time and place.^(AHD)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}