busy
busy
(bɪzi )Word forms: comparative busier , superlative busiest , 3rd person singular present tense busies , present participle busying , past tense, past participle busied
1. adjective [oft ADJ v-ing]
When you are busy, you are working hard or concentrating on a task, so that you are not free to do anything else.
What is it? I'm busy.
They are busy preparing for a hectic day's activity on Saturday.
Rachel said she would be too busy to come.
Phil Martin is an exceptionally busy man.
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
3. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE, oft ADJ -ing]
If you say that someone is busy thinking or worrying about something, you mean that it is taking all their attention, often to such an extent that they are unable to think about anything else.
Companies are so busy analysing the financial implications that they overlook the effect on workers.
Most people are too busy with their own troubles to give much help. [+ with]
4. verb
He busied himself with the camera. [VERB pronoun-reflexive + with]
She busied herself getting towels ready. [V pron-refl v-ing]
For a while Kathryn busied herself in the kitchen. [VERB pronoun-reflexive]
5. adjective
A busy place is full of people who are doing things or moving about.
The Strand is one of London's busiest and most affluent streets.
The ward was busy and Amy hardly had time to talk.
6. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]
7. See also busily
