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Employ Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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employ

[ɪmˈplɔɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

at work

Give work to (someone) and pay them for it.

Synonyms

engage, hire, recruit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
employ

This word is suitable for formal or professional contexts. It can refer to hiring someone for a job or making use of a particular skill or resource.

  • The company employs over 200 people
  • We employed several strategies to solve the problem
hire

This is commonly used when talking about renting something or bringing someone in for a job or short-term task. It's less formal than 'employ'.

  • The company plans to hire 50 new employees this year
  • We hired a car for the weekend trip
engage

Often used in formal or semi-formal settings. It can refer to hiring or involving someone in a particular activity or role. Engaging someone usually implies a more active and involved participation.

  • The organization engaged a consultant to advise on the project
  • She engaged him in a meaningful conversation
recruit

This term is frequently used concerning the process of finding and enrolling people for jobs, roles, or activities. It carries a sense of a structured process.

  • They recruited five new members for the team
  • The army is recruiting volunteers

Examples of usage

  • He employs 20 people at his company.
  • The restaurant employs a team of chefs.
  • She was employed as a receptionist.
Context #2 | Noun

job

A person in paid work.

Synonyms

employee, staff member, worker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
employ

To hire someone for a job or position. It is typically used in a formal or professional setting.

  • The company decided to employ more IT specialists.
  • We need to employ someone with extensive experience in marketing.
worker

Typically used to refer to someone who performs manual labor or a job that requires physical activity. It has a broader and more informal connotation compared to 'employee'.

  • The construction workers started early in the morning.
  • Factory workers often have to wear protective gear.
staff member

A general term for a person who is part of the staff at an organization. Appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

  • Each staff member is responsible for their own tasks.
  • As a new staff member, he participated in the orientation program.
employee

Refers to a person who is hired to work for a company or organization. It is commonly used in formal and professional settings.

  • She is an excellent employee and always meets her deadlines.
  • The company provides excellent benefits to all its employees.

Examples of usage

  • The new employ started today.
  • The company has many loyal employs.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Economic Perspective

  • In economics, employment is critical for measuring a country's health; higher employment usually means a stronger economy.
  • Full employment is considered to be when everyone willing and able to work has a job, which is an important target for many governments.
  • Job-market changes, like gig work, are reshaping traditional notions of how people are employed.

Cultural Reference

  • Many cultures have traditional ways of employing people, such as family businesses passed down through generations.
  • The concept of 'employment' varies worldwide; some countries emphasize full-time roles, while others lean towards part-time or freelance work.
  • In literature, various characters have unique employment types, illustrating different social classes and economic statuses.

Psychology

  • Job satisfaction can heavily impact mental health, showing that being employed in a fulfilling role contributes to well-being.
  • Studies suggest that the type of work someone engages in can shape their identity and self-worth.
  • The social aspect of employment helps build networks and friendships, contributing to overall happiness and social connectedness.

Historical Context

  • During the Industrial Revolution, the concept of employment transformed drastically, leading to factory jobs and the urbanization of society.
  • The development of labor laws in the 20th century aimed to protect the rights of workers and improve working conditions.
  • Historical shifts in economies have often resulted in changes to what types of employment are available, reflecting technological advancements.

Origin of 'employ'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'employ' comes from the Latin word 'implicare', meaning 'to involve or enfold'.
  • It entered the English language in the late 1400s, evolving to include the sense of hiring someone for a task.
  • Historically, 'employ' carried a broader meaning of 'to use' in various contexts beyond jobs.

The word 'employ' originated in Middle English from the Old French word 'employer', which means 'to use'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage to refer to giving work to someone and paying them for it.

See also: employed, employee, employees, employer, employing, employment, misemploy, underemployment, unemployed, unemployment.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,015, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.