Employ Meaning
Employ Definition & Usage
To give work to someone and pay them for it.
Examples
- "The company employs over 200 people across its various departments."
- "He was employed as a software developer at a tech startup."
- "The factory employs skilled workers to produce the latest model."
- "She was employed by a law firm after graduating from law school."
- "This job will employ a team of experts to conduct the research."
To use something for a particular purpose.
Examples
- "The artist employed bright colors to create an energetic atmosphere in her painting."
- "They employed various strategies to increase market share."
- "He employed a number of tools to fix the car."
- "In their research, they employed both qualitative and quantitative methods."
- "The manager employed a calm and measured approach to resolve the conflict."
To engage or occupy someone's attention or interest.
Examples
- "The speaker employed rhetorical techniques to captivate the audience."
- "She employed all her charm to persuade the board members."
- "He employed his free time to learn a new language."
- "The detective employed his intuition to solve the case."
- "The book employs a unique narrative structure to tell its story."
Cultural Context
The word 'employ' comes from the Latin 'implicare', which means 'to involve' or 'to engage'. It has evolved to have both practical and metaphorical meanings in the English language. 'Employ' is a common word in business, economics, and daily life, frequently used when discussing work, productivity, and human resources.
The Artist's Strategy
Story
The Artist's Strategy
Maya was an up-and-coming artist, known for her vibrant murals in the heart of the city. As the summer sun set, she walked through her newest project, a massive mural on the side of an old warehouse. She had employed a range of colors—bright yellows, electric blues, and deep reds—to convey a sense of energy and joy. The walls around her, once grey and lifeless, now burst with the movement of her brushstrokes. Her assistant, Ben, was busy preparing the next batch of paints. 'You’ve really employed your best techniques for this one, Maya,' he said, impressed. Maya smiled but shook her head. 'It’s not just about the technique, Ben. It’s about the way you use your space, your tools, and most importantly, your time.' Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Maya paused to admire her work. 'In this mural, I’ve employed everything I’ve learned from my past projects. I used certain tools for precision and others for flair, and the colors—they create a rhythm, a flow.' A local entrepreneur named Sarah came by, admiring the mural. Maya noticed Sarah taking out her phone to snap a picture. 'I’ve been trying to employ new methods to market my business,' Sarah said, 'but I don’t think I’ve quite nailed it yet.' Maya laughed softly. 'It’s all about employing the right strategy at the right time. I can help you with that.' As they spoke, Maya realized how much she had grown—not just as an artist but in her approach to life. Every challenge had taught her how to employ her skills and time more wisely, whether in art or in her relationships. Her new mural was a symbol of that growth, employing her best techniques to create something that felt truly alive. The mural became a sensation, drawing tourists and art critics alike. Maya was now employed by a number of galleries to showcase her work. But more importantly, she had learned how to employ every lesson from her past to carve out a future she was proud of.
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