Meaning & use
involving
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“involving” is a form of “involve”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
adjectivenot comparable
Holding someone's full attention or interest; engaging.
Grammar: Used before a noun: 'an involving story'. Not usually used after 'be'.
Patterns
- an involving story
- an involving film
- an involving game
It was an involving documentary about the war.
The novel is so involving that I read it in one sitting.
The game was involving and kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Common combinations
- deeply involving
- The play was deeply involving from start to finish.
- an involving experience
- The workshop was an involving experience for all participants.
- emotionally involving
- The film is emotionally involving and left many in tears.
Synonyms and how they differ
- engaging
- Very similar; 'engaging' often suggests charm, while 'involving' suggests deep absorption.
- absorbing
- Focuses on taking all your attention; 'involving' is slightly more active.
- gripping
- Stronger and more exciting; 'involving' can be quieter and more thoughtful.
Opposites
Word family
- involve verb
- To include or affect someone or something.
- involvement noun
- The act of taking part in something.
- involved adjective
- Complicated, or connected to something.
Commonly confused: involving or involved?
involving vs involved
'Involved' often means complicated or connected; 'involving' means engaging and holding attention.
Practice
The audience found the performance extremely _____.
Choose one answer.
'Involving' is the adjective meaning engaging. 'Involved' would mean complicated or connected, which does not fit here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “involving”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.