Employed
ɪmˈplɔɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo provide someone with a job or work, usually for pay.
ɪmˈplɔɪd
To give work or a job to (someone).
The factory employed hundreds of workers to assemble cars.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're a boss and you give someone a job. That's employing them! Like, 'The bakery employed a new baker to make delicious croissants.'
👶 For kids: To give someone a job.
More Examples
She was finally employed after months of searching for a job.
The government is working to create more programs to employ people.
How It's Used
"The company employs over 500 people."
"The applicant was employed after a successful interview."
To make use of or utilize something, such as a tool, a strategy, or a resource.
ɪmˈplɔɪd
To use or make use of (something).
The lawyer employed evidence to support his client's case.
💡 Simply: Employing something is like using it for a specific reason. Like, 'The artist employed different brushstrokes to create a textured painting.'
👶 For kids: To use something to do something.
More Examples
We should employ all available resources to solve the problem.
The company employed a new marketing strategy to boost sales.
How It's Used
"The company employs advanced algorithms for data analysis."
"The chef employs a variety of spices to create unique flavors."
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 *employen*, from Old French *emploier* ('to employ'), from Latin *implicāre* ('to enfold, involve, entangle'). The sense of using something for a specific purpose evolved through time.
Historically, 'employ' was used both to give work and to apply something for a purpose, though the former usage has become more specialized in modern English.
Memory tip
Think of 'employ' as the opposite of 'unemploy'. When you employ someone, you give them a job.
Word Origin
"to involve, entangle, or to fold in"