Main Entry: ¹busy

Pronunciation: \ˈbi-zē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): busi·er; busi·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 \ˈbi-zə-lē\ adverb

— busy·ness \ˈbi-zē-nəs\ 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>.