Otherwise engaged Meaning in English
expression
ˈəðɝˌwaɪz/ /ɛnˈɡeɪdʒd
UH-thur-wyze en-GAYJD
ˈʌðəwˌaɪz/ /ɛnɡˈeɪdʒd
UTH-uh-wyze eng-GAYJD
Definition
If someone is 'otherwise engaged', they are busy with another activity and cannot do something else at that moment.
Usage & Nuances
Used in formal or polite speech, often as an excuse for being unavailable. Common in business or social invitations: 'I'm afraid I'm otherwise engaged.' Not used to describe ongoing, general busyness—it's situational.
Spanish: ocupado/a con otra cosa - comprometido/a en otra actividadPortuguese (BR): ocupado(a) com outra coisaPortuguese (PT): ocupado(a) com outra coisaChinese (Simplified): 有其他事情要做Chinese (Traditional): 有其他事情要做Hindi: किसी और काम में व्यस्तArabic: مشغول بأمر آخرBengali: অন্য কাজে ব্যস্তRussian: занят (другим делом)Japanese: 他の用事で忙しいVietnamese: bận việc khácKorean: 다른 일로 바쁘다Turkish: başka bir işle meşgulUrdu: کسی اور کام میں مصروفIndonesian: sedang sibuk dengan hal lain
Example Sentences
I'm sorry, I am otherwise engaged this evening.
basic
Anna is otherwise engaged and can't come to the meeting.
basic
He was otherwise engaged, so he missed my call.
basic
I'm afraid I'll be otherwise engaged when you visit next week.
natural
If she's otherwise engaged, can someone else help me?
natural
Sorry, I'm otherwise engaged at that time, but let me know if you reschedule.
natural