preoccupation

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an idea that preoccupies the mind and holds the attention
  2. noun the mental state of being preoccupied by something
  3. noun the act of taking occupancy before someone else does

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French préoccupation, from Latin praeoccupātiō. By surface analysis, pre- + occupation or preoccupy + -ation.

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