Employ
/ɪmˈplɔɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide someone with a job or to use something for a particular purpose.
/ɪmˈplɔɪ/
To give work to (someone) and pay them for it.
The factory employs hundreds of workers.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a lemonade stand. You might employ your friend to help you sell the lemonade, meaning you give them a job and pay them a little bit.
👶 For kids: To give someone a job so they can work for you.
More Examples
The company employs cutting-edge technology.
They are looking to employ more graduates this year.
How It's Used
"The company employs over 500 people."
"The HR department is responsible for employing new staff."
To make use of (something); utilize.
/ɪmˈplɔɪ/
To use or make use of something.
The chef employed a new technique in his cooking.
💡 Simply: Let's say you're building a fort. You would employ your building skills to put it together. You're using or applying what you know to accomplish a task!
👶 For kids: To use something.
More Examples
She employed her knowledge to solve the mystery.
The company will employ its resources to expand its business.
How It's Used
"He employed all his skills to solve the problem."
"The army employed various tactics to win the battle."
Idioms & expressions
gainful employment
Work that provides a regular income.
"Finding gainful employment is a priority for many after graduating."
self-employed
Working for oneself as a freelancer or the owner of a business rather than for an employer.
"Many artists are self-employed."
From Middle English *emploien*, from Old French *emplier* ("to involve, employ"), from Latin *implicāre* ("to involve, entangle").
The word 'employ' has been used since the 14th century, primarily in contexts related to service or duty.
Memory tip
Think of a company employing people to do work.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: implicare