French word

engagement

Pronunciation

IPA/ɑ̃gaʒəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounappointment

Example

J'ai un engagement cet après-midi.

I have an appointment this afternoon.

Illustration for engagement (appointment)

More examples

Il a pris un engagement envers ses collègues.

He made a promise to his colleagues.

Core concept

A spoken or arranged commitment that limits later choices and calls for participation or follow-through.

Common phrases

  • rompre un engagement

    break a promise

  • respecter un engagement

    keep a promise

  • prendre un engagement

    make a promise

Similar words

promesse: Words given to another person as a promise to do something.
obligation: A duty or responsibility that must be carried out.
rendez-vous: An arranged time and place to meet someone.

Definition in French

Fait d'avoir pris une obligation, une promesse ou un rendez-vous envers quelqu'un ou quelque chose ; sens de responsabilité ou de participation découlant de cet engagement.

Word origin

Engagement developed from Old French engager, whose parts linked en- with gage, a word for a pledge or security.

Usage tips

  • In J'ai un engagement, the noun can mean a prior commitment or appointment, while rendez-vous is more specific for an arranged meeting.

Other meanings

  • involvementnoun
  • betrothalnoun

Opposites

  • désintérêtdisinterestnoun
  • désengagementdisengagementnoun

Related words

  • engagéengagedadjective
  • désengagementdisengagementnoun

Word lists with this word