Employed – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “employed” serves primarily as a verb and adjective within English language contexts. As a verb, it typically means to utilize or make use of something for a specific purpose or function (e.g., “She employed her skills in the project”). In its adjectival form, “employed” describes someone who has work or is engaged by an employer (e.g., “an employed individual”). The verb also appears in different grammatical forms such as “employ,” “employs,” and “employment,” depending on tense and usage.
Core Synonyms
Here’s a table outlining several synonyms of “employed,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and the appropriate style or register for each:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hired | Suggests a formal contractual agreement. | “He was hired by the company in March.” | Business/Formal |
| Engaged | Implies being occupied or dedicated to a task. | “She is engaged in developing new software solutions.” | Formal/Academic |
| Occupied | Indicates having a job; can imply being busy. | “Many of the city’s residents are occupied during weekdays.” | Informal/Casual |
| Worked | A general term for performing work or duties. | “After college, she worked in various industries.” | Informal/Academic |
| Utilized | Focuses on making use of skills or resources. | “They utilized their team’s creativity to solve the problem.” | Formal/Business |
Usage Notes
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Hired: Best used in formal business contexts where there is an explicit employment relationship, often documented by a contract.
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Engaged: Suitable for both professional and academic settings when describing involvement or commitment to tasks beyond mere employment. It can imply intellectual or creative dedication.
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Occupied: This term is versatile; it fits casual conversations about someone’s status as having a job but also describes physical occupation of time (e.g., “occupied with chores”).
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Worked: A straightforward synonym, ideal for describing past activities across various contexts—from informal discussions to academic writing where historical work is mentioned.
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Utilized: Preferred when the focus is on effective use or application of skills, resources, or technology, often used in technical or business reports.
Common Pitfalls
While “employed” and its synonyms share similarities, they’re not always interchangeable. For instance:
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Using “hired” implies a specific employment transaction, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to say “She is hired at the library” if she’s volunteered without pay.
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“Engaged” can also mean being committed in other contexts like marriage or emotionally involved, which might lead to confusion if not clarified.
Final Recap
In summary, while synonyms for “employed” like “hired,” “engaged,” “occupied,” “worked,” and “utilized” cover various shades of employment-related nuances, it’s essential to choose the right word based on context. Practice these in writing or conversation to better understand their connotations and appropriateness across different scenarios. This exercise will broaden your vocabulary and enhance your communication precision.