employ

[ɪmˈplɔɪ]

employ Definition

  • 1to give someone a job to do for payment
  • 2to use something for a particular purpose or to achieve a particular effect

Using employ: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "employ" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The company employs over 500 people.

  • Example

    She was employed as a marketing manager.

  • Example

    We need to employ new strategies to increase sales.

  • Example

    He employed his charm to win her over.

employ Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for employ

Idioms Using employ

  • to use something effectively

    Example

    We should make use of all available resources to complete the project on time.

  • to use something or someone for a particular purpose

    Example

    We need to put our skills to work and come up with a solution to this problem.

  • get down to business

    to start working seriously and with determination

    Example

    We've had enough small talk, let's get down to business and discuss the details of the project.

Phrases with employ

  • self-employed

    working for oneself as a freelancer or the owner of a business rather than for an employer

    Example

    She decided to become self-employed and start her own business.

  • a job that provides a person with a regular income

    Example

    After months of searching, he finally found gainful employment at a local factory.

  • a situation in which almost everyone who is able and willing to work is employed

    Example

    The government aims to achieve full employment by creating more job opportunities.

Origins of employ

from Old French 'employer', from Latin 'implicare', meaning 'to involve'

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Summary: employ in Brief

To 'employ' [ɪmˈplɔɪ] means to give someone a job for payment or to use something for a particular purpose. It can refer to hiring employees or utilizing resources, as in 'We need to employ new strategies to increase sales.' 'Employ' extends into phrases like 'self-employed,' and idioms like 'make use of,' denoting effective use, and 'get down to business,' implying serious work.

How do native speakers use this expression?