Nearby Words

availed

[uh-veyl] Origin

a·vail

[uh-veyl]
verb (used with object)
1.
to be of use or value to; profit; advantage: All our efforts availed us little in trying to effect a change.
verb (used without object)
2.
to be of use; have force or efficacy; serve; help: His strength did not avail against the hostile onslaught.
3.
to be of value or profit.

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Availed is always a great word to know.
So is doohickey. Does it mean:
a fool or simpleton; ninny.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
noun
4.
advantage; use; efficacy; effective use in the achievement of a goal or objective: His belated help will be of little or no avail.
5.
avails, Archaic. profits or proceeds.
6.
avail oneself of, to use to one's advantage: They availed themselves of the opportunity to hear a free concert.

Origin:
1250–1300; Middle English availe, equivalent to a- a-2 + vaile < Old French vail- (stem of valoir) < Latin valēre to be of worth

a·vail·ing·ly, adverb
un·a·vailed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
Cite This Source Link To availed
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

avail
c.1300, availen, from O.Fr. a- "to" + vailen "to avail," from vaill-, present stem of valoir "be worth," from L. valere (see valiant). Availing, pp. adj., "advantageous" is from early 15c.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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