Employ

Definition

Employ is a verb meaning to hire or provide work to someone in exchange for payment. It also means to make use of a skill, method, or resource for a specific purpose.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈplɔɪ/
• Respelling: im-PLOY

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈplɔɪ/
• Respelling: im-PLOY

Etymology

The word "employ" originates from the Old French "emploier," which is derived from the Latin "implicare," meaning "to involve" or "to engage." It was first adopted into Middle English in the 14th century with meanings related to engaging or utilizing resources.

Derivatives

• Employment (noun)
• Employee (noun)
• Employer (noun)
• Employable (adjective)
• Unemployed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Hire
• Utilize
• Engage

Antonyms

• Dismiss
• Fire
• Discharge

Usage

The term "employ" is commonly used in professional and organizational contexts, as in "The company plans to employ additional staff." It also appears in other settings where resources or methods are used for specific purposes, as in "They employed new techniques in the study."

Related Terms

• Work: Activity involving effort to achieve a goal, often for payment.
• Occupation: A person’s regular work or profession.
• Utilization: The act of using something effectively.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To hire someone for a job or position: Refers to engaging someone in a professional capacity in exchange for payment.
  • Example: "The firm decided to employ additional consultants."
• To make use of a skill, tool, or method: Describes utilizing a specific resource or approach to achieve a purpose.
  • Example: "She employed her knowledge of languages to assist the team."
• To occupy or engage time, attention, or resources: Refers to the act of devoting resources or efforts toward a particular goal.
  • Example: "The project employs multiple teams working together."