Avail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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avail
[əˈveɪl ]
Definitions
make use of
To avail means to make use of or take advantage of something, especially an opportunity or resource. It is often used in expressions like 'to avail oneself of' which indicates that someone is using an available option for their benefit. The term is commonly found in both formal and informal contexts, especially in business and legal settings.
Synonyms
exploit, take advantage of, utilize.
Examples of usage
- She availed herself of the scholarship opportunity.
- He decided to avail of the gym membership discount.
- They availed themselves of the advice offered by the expert.
usefulness
As a noun, avail refers to the usefulness or benefit of something. It is often used in expressions like 'to no avail', meaning that something has not been successful or has yielded no results. The word highlights the value or effectiveness of an action or resource.
Synonyms
advantage, benefit, usefulness.
Examples of usage
- He tried to fix the car to no avail.
- Her efforts were to little avail in changing the situation.
- Using that method proved to be of no avail.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term appears in classical literature, often used to portray characters leveraging opportunities for successes.
- Notable authors such as Shakespeare employed the word in dialogues to convey urgency or the importance of taking action.
- In modern novels, 'avail' is frequently used to imply strategic thinking, reflecting characters who seize chances.
Psychology
- In motivational contexts, understanding how to 'avail' oneself of opportunities plays a crucial role in personal growth.
- Research indicates that individuals who actively seek out resources and opportunities tend to show higher life satisfaction.
- 'Availability heuristics' in psychology suggest that people often weigh the usefulness of choices based on what they see as accessible.
Pop Culture
- The word is often used in motivational speeches, emphasizing the importance of utilizing available resources.
- In gaming and popular media, characters frequently need to 'avail' themselves of tools or allies to succeed.
- Songs and movies often include themes of opportunity and seizing the moment, aligning perfectly with the term.
Origin of 'avail'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'aval,' meaning 'to be of use,' which originated from Latin 'ad valere,' meaning 'to be worth.'
- It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, evolving to encompass both personal and contextual utility.
- The pronunciation has shifted over centuries, but its core concept of usefulness has remained intact.
The word 'avail' comes from the Middle English 'avaylle', which is derived from the Old French 'availer', meaning 'to be of use' or 'to profit'. Its roots can be traced further back to the Latin 'valere', which means 'to be strong' or 'to be worth'. This connection emphasizes the idea of usefulness and advantage in its meanings. The word has been used in English since the 14th century and has evolved in usage, often appearing in both formal and colloquial settings. Today, 'avail' is commonly employed in a range of contexts, from everyday conversation to more specialized terminology in law and business.