adj.
Pronunciation: ' bi-z ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: busi · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English bisy, from Old English bisig; akin to Middle Dutch & Middle Low German besich busy
Date: before 12th century
1 a : engaged in action : OCCUPIED b : being in use <found the telephone busy >
2 : full of activity : BUSTLING <a busy seaport>
3 : foolishly or intrusively active : MEDDLING
4 : full of distracting detail <a busy design>
– busi · ly \ ' bi-z ə -l ē \ adverb
– busy · ness \ ' bi-z ē -n ə s \ noun
synonyms BUSY , INDUSTRIOUS , DILIGENT , ASSIDUOUS , SEDULOUS mean actively engaged or occupied. BUSY chiefly stresses activity as opposed to idleness or leisure <too busy to spend time with the children>. INDUSTRIOUS implies characteristic or habitual devotion to work < industrious employees>. DILIGENT suggests earnest application to some specific object or pursuit <very diligent in her pursuit of a degree>. ASSIDUOUS stresses careful and unremitting application < assiduous practice>. SEDULOUS implies painstaking and persevering application <a sedulous investigation of the murder>.