hire - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hire Word Meanings
- to employ someone for work
- to rent something
- to obtain the services of someone
hire Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hire Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/haɪə/
US
/haɪr/
hire Word Etymology
hire = high (related to payment) + ire (to choose); Middle English 'hiren' from Old English 'hyran'; Imagine a person offering money, symbolizing choice, to someone for work, evoking a feeling of agreement.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean over the desk, move my hand to click a candidate's profile, and keep my eyes steady on the screen as a choice grows. A decision to hire blossoms with a small push of confidence and a pull of responsibility. I set a start date and hire the contractor, while also arranging the gear we’ll need so the work can begin. The action settles into a clear rhythm, and the idea becomes a real plan in motion.
Real Context
Learners often think hire only means employing staff, but in English it covers both employing people and renting things, plus obtaining services. When you hire someone, you contract them for work for a period or project, often temporarily, with defined tasks and pay. You can hire a person, a consultant, or a car, or equipment. Employing someone is more formal and longer-term, while hire has a practical, project-based feel. In American English, hire is common for renting a car or hiring a contractor as well as hiring staff; in British English you might hear 'hire a car' and 'hire a consultant' too. Phrasal forms like hire out and hiring someone to do something are context-dependent.
Usage Reminders
- Use hire for temporary work or services
- Hire can mean renting something or obtaining a service
- Choose employ for formal, longer-term staff relationships
- Watch for phrasal forms like hire out (lend out) or hire a car (rent a car)
- Common collocations: hire a worker, hire a consultant, hire a car, hire for a project
Common Misconceptions
- Hire means only employing people, not renting items
- Employ and hire are always interchangeable
- Hire is only used in casual speech, never formal contexts
- You cannot say 'hire a car' in American English
- Hire and recruit are the same thing
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English learner that hire is versatile, covering people and things, with nuance by context; emphasize casual vs formal, temporary vs long-term, and regional preferences for renting vs hiring.
Learning Tips
- Memorize common collocations: hire a worker, hire a car, hire a consultant
- Learn the contrast with employ for long-term positions
- Practice with both people and object hiring in context
- Watch for phrasal verbs like hire out and employment-focused phrases
- Note regional usage differences between American and British English
- Create mini scenarios to test choosing hire vs rent vs employ
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'hire' mean?
A.To buy
B.To rent
C.To give away
D.To keep
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following situations would you most likely 'hire' something?
A.Selling clothes
B.Buying a car
C.Keeping a pet
D.Renting a house
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'hire'?
A.Fire
B.Employ
C.Buy
D.Sell
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which of the following is an opposite word to 'hire'?
A.Receive
B.Retain
C.Release
D.Reduce
Step 5: Mastery
Imagine you are planning a party and you need to 'hire' some tables and chairs. What type of service would you be looking for?
A.Furniture rental service
B.Party decoration service
C.DJ service
D.Catering service
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App