busy

Doing something, so you have little time for anything else.

• I am busy now.
• She was busy helping her brother.
• Are you too busy to come?

How to use it: busy doing something (She is busy cooking dinner.); busy with something (I am busy with my homework.); too busy to do something (He is too busy to answer.)

Similar words: occupied

Opposites: free, available

Common phrases: busy with something, busy doing something, too busy

A time with a lot of work or activities and little chance to rest.

• We had a busy day.
• December is our busiest month.
• It has been a busy week at work.

Similar words: hectic, full

Opposites: quiet

Common phrases: busy day, busy week, busy schedule

A place with many people or vehicles moving around or using it.

• This road is busy.
• The market was busier than usual.
• Avoid the busy streets near the station.

Similar words: crowded, bustling

Opposites: quiet, deserted

Common phrases: busy street, busy road, busy restaurant, busy office

A telephone line that someone is already using, so another caller cannot connect.

• The line is busy.
• I got a busy signal when I called.
• Her phone was busy all morning.

Similar words: engaged

Common phrases: busy line, busy signal, line is busy

Having so many colours, shapes, or small details that it looks confusing.

• The pattern is too busy.
• Plain curtains would suit this busy wallpaper.
• That busy design makes the text difficult to read.

Similar words: cluttered

Opposites: plain, simple

Common phrases: busy pattern, busy design, busy wallpaper

To fill your time by doing something.

• I busy myself with small jobs.
• She busied herself cleaning the kitchen.
• They busied themselves with preparations for the party.

How to use it: busy oneself with something (She busied herself with the dishes.); busy oneself doing something (He busied himself arranging the chairs.)

Similar words: occupy oneself

Common phrases: busy oneself with, busy oneself doing

To give someone something to do and keep them active.

• We busied the children with games.
• She busied herself with packing.
• The preparations busied everyone until noon.

How to use it: busy someone with something (We busied the children with simple craft tasks.)

Similar words: occupy

Common phrases: busy someone with, busy oneself with