self-employed
|self/em/ployed|
B2
/sɛlf ɪmˈplɔɪd/
independent work
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-employed' originates from the combination of 'self,' meaning 'one's own person,' and 'employed,' from Old French 'employer,' meaning 'to use or apply.'
Historical Evolution
'self-employed' evolved from the concept of 'self' and 'employ' in the 19th century, reflecting the rise of individual entrepreneurship.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'working for oneself,' and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
working for oneself as a freelance or the owner of a business rather than for an employer.
She has been self-employed for over 10 years, running her own bakery.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41