engross
UK[ɪnˈɡrəʊs]US[ɪnˈɡroʊs]
v
to occupy completely; to absorb all the attention or interest of.
v
to write or copy a document in a large, clear hand, especially in a formal style.
Morpheme Breakdown
en
gross
en
in, into, to make
gross
large, thick, coarse
Etymology
the word "engross" entered english in the late 15th century from anglo-french and old french 'engrosser', meaning 'to make large, to write in large letters'. this french term was built from the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'in, into') and 'gros' (meaning 'large, thick'), which itself derives from latin 'grossus' (thick, coarse). the original, literal sense was to write a document, such as a legal deed, in a formal, large script. from this specific act of writing that demanded full attention, the meaning broadened metaphorically to signify occupying someone's complete attention, as if their mind were being 'written upon' or filled up entirely. thus, the journey from a physical description of large handwriting to an abstract state of mental absorption illustrates a clear semantic evolution.
Analysis
Structure: en + gross
en (prefix of latin origin via french, meaning 'in, into, to make'), gross (from latin 'grossus' via old french 'gros', meaning 'large, thick, coarse').
Examples
the thrilling plot of the novel completely engrossed the reader.
the clerk was asked to engross the final copy of the treaty.
he was so engrossed in his work that he didn't hear the phone ring.