rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -er
English

-er

a person or thing that does something

Forms

  • -er
  • -r — Used after some bases ending in e.

Origin

Old English -ere, generally traced through Germanic to Latin -arius.

Note

It can name a tool as readily as a person. The comparison ending in taller has a different history.

24 / 113
noun

employer

A person or organization that pays people to work.

Her employer pays for health insurance and offers paid vacation.

Etymology
employEnglishto use or engage for work
+erEnglisha person or thing that does something

Employ originally covered putting something to use and came to include engaging workers. The agent ending identifies the person or organization that does the hiring.

More examples

  • The hospital is the largest employer in town.
  • Many employers offer flexible work schedules.
  • The application asks for my previous employer's name.

Forms

employer · employers

employ verb — To pay someone to work for you.

employee noun — A person paid by an employer.

Similar words

boss
A boss directs workers but may not employ them.