employ
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ɪmˈplɔɪ/
KK: /ɪmˈplɔɪ/
noun
Definition
The condition of having a job or being engaged in work.
Example
She is currently in the employ of a large corporation.
Conversation
I heard you got a new job, congratulations!
Thanks! I'm really excited to be in the employ of such a well-known company.
That sounds amazing! What will you be doing there?
I'll be working in marketing, and I can't wait to get started.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
occupation
employment
position
Antonyms
unemployment
idleness
displacement
transitive verb
Definition
To hire someone for a job or to use something for a specific purpose.
Example
The company decided to employ more staff to handle the increased workload.
Tense Forms
Past: employed
Past Participle: employed
Conversation
Have you heard if the company will employ new workers this year?
I think they might, especially with the new project starting soon.
That would be great! They need to employ more people to handle the workload.
Root Explanation
Employ → It is formed from 'em-' (a variant of 'en-', meaning to cause to be in) and 'ploy' (from Old French 'ployer', meaning to fold or bend). The word 'employ' means to cause someone to be engaged in work or to use something for a purpose.
Memory Tip
Think of 'causing someone to be engaged' ('em-') in work or a task, which is what it means to employ someone.
Visually Confused Words
unemploy
coemploy
deploy
ploy
misemploy
disemploy