Hire Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hire

[haษชษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

job recruitment

To employ someone for wages or salary.

Synonyms

employ, engage, recruit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hire

Typically used when referring to the process of bringing someone in for a job or temporary work. It is everyday language and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • We need to hire a new manager for the sales team
  • They decided to hire a contractor for the renovation project
employ

More formal than 'hire'. Often used in business contexts, especially when discussing long-term or permanent positions. It also can be used to describe using a strategy or method.

  • The company employs over 500 people worldwide
  • We need to employ a new approach to solve this problem
recruit

Focused on the process of finding and attracting new employees. Often used in a military, sports, or corporate context and emphasizes the selection process.

  • The army is looking to recruit new soldiers
  • Our HR department is actively recruiting for several open positions
engage

Used in more formal or specific settings, often implies a temporary or freelance arrangement. It can also mean involving someone in a particular activity or attracting interest.

  • They engaged a consultant to help improve the system
  • The speaker managed to engage the audience with her interesting topic

Examples of usage

  • He was hired as a consultant for the project.
  • The company is looking to hire new staff members.
  • We are hiring for multiple positions in our department.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Business

  • Hiring processes often involve interviews, background checks, and skills assessments to find the right candidate.
  • The gig economy has changed hiring practices, leading to more temporary and freelance positions rather than permanent jobs.
  • Remote hiring became more common during the pandemic, allowing companies to access talent globally.

Psychology

  • First impressions during hiring interviews can significantly impact decision-making, often relying more on gut feelings than qualifications.
  • Bias in hiring can lead to less diversity in the workplace, with studies showing that resumes with 'white-sounding' names are more likely to get callbacks.
  • Research shows that companies benefit from a range of perspectives; thus, diversity in hiring can enhance creativity and problem-solving.

Cultural Aspects

  • In many cultures, the hiring process is deeply influenced by social networks, with personal connections often playing a key role.
  • Some societies have unique rituals or ceremonies associated with hiring or employment, reflecting the communityโ€™s values.
  • Job advertisements can vary widely across different cultures, with some emphasizing formal qualifications while others focus on personal traits.

Technology

  • Online job platforms have revolutionized how people find and get hired, making it easier to connect employers with potential employees.
  • Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in the hiring process to scan resumes and help identify suitable candidates quicker.
  • The trend of remote work has led to the creation of many digital tools aimed at simplifying the hiring process for companies and applicants alike.

Origin of 'hire'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hire' comes from the Old English word 'hyrian,' which means 'to pay.'
  • In Middle English, it was used as 'hyren,' reflecting the action of employing someone.
  • The term has evolved over centuries, but its core meaning has remained focused on payment for services.

The word 'hire' originated from the Old English word 'hyrian', which meant to engage someone's services for payment. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the concept of employing someone for wages or salary. The use of 'hire' in the context of job recruitment became popular in the 19th century with the rise of industrialization and the need for a formal hiring process in businesses.


See also: hired, hireling, hirer, hiring.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,669, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.