The phrase "were engrossed by" is spelled /wər ɪnˈɡrəust baɪ/. The first word, "were," is pronounced with a schwa sound for the "e." "Engrossed" is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable and a "d" on the end indicating the past tense. The vowel sound in the second syllable is pronounced like "aw." The preposition "by" is pronounced with a long "i" sound in the second syllable. Overall, the phrase means that something captivated or absorbed someone's attention.
"Engrossed by" refers to a state of complete immersion, captivation, or absorption in something, to the point of being fully engrossed or preoccupied with it. The term is commonly used to describe a profound level of attentiveness, involvement, or concentration one experiences in the presence of a particular activity, object, or concept.
When one is "were engrossed by" something, they are entirely engrossed or absorbed in it, often losing track of time and being oblivious to their surroundings. It connotes an intense focus and strong interest, as if being under the spell of the thing that has captured their attention.
Being engrossed by an activity can manifest in various ways. For instance, it could refer to being deeply engrossed in a gripping novel, where the reader becomes completely absorbed in the storyline, unable to put the book down. Similarly, one can be engrossed by a movie or a TV series that keeps them enthralled throughout its duration.
Additionally, being engrossed by a topic or subject implies a profound level of concentration and curiosity. It suggests that one's thoughts and attention are fully occupied by the subject, often resulting in active exploration, research, or analysis.
In summary, the phrase "were engrossed by" encapsulates the state of being wholly captivated, absorbed, and mentally engaged in a particular activity, object, or idea. It implies a deep level of focus and fascination, conveying the intense involvement and preoccupation with the subject at hand.