embaucher
hire
Definition & meaning
The verb "embaucher" primarily means to hire or to employ someone. it refers to the formal process of taking on a new worker, usually involving a contract and a specific role within a company or organization.
In a more casual or figurative context, it can also mean to enlist or recruit someone to help with a specific task or a temporary project, even if it does not involve a professional employment contract.
Grammar & Word origin
"Embaucher" is a regular verb of the first group, meaning it follows the standard conjugation pattern for verbs ending in -er.
The word is derived from the prefix "en-" (into) and the Old French word "bauche," which referred to a workshop or a beam used in construction. Originally, the term meant to put wood in place to form a frame or to set up a workspace. By the 16th century, the meaning evolved from preparing a physical workspace to the act of bringing people into that workspace to perform labor.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- recruter: to recruit, focusing on the search for new talent.
- engager: to engage or hire, often used interchangeably with "embaucher."
- employer: to employ, referring to the state of providing work for someone.
- prendre: to take on, often used in informal speech.
Antonyms:
- licencier: to lay off or fire for economic or professional reasons.
- renvoyer: to dismiss or fire someone from their position.
- congédier: to discharge or dismiss, often used in a formal context.
- débaucher: to entice an employee to leave their current job for another, or historically, to lay someone off.
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Examples
On veut embaucher une personne aujourd’hui.verb
We want to hire a person today.
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