The phrase "availed of" is commonly used in formal English to express the idea of taking advantage of an opportunity or resource. It is pronounced /əˈveɪld əv/ with the stress on the second syllable. The word "availed" is the past tense of the verb "avail", which means to make use of or benefit from something. The addition of the preposition "of" indicates the thing that is being availed, making the phrase a complex preposition. Proper spelling and pronunciation are important for clear communication in formal settings.
The term "availed of" is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings and usages. In general, it refers to the act of utilizing or taking advantage of something for specific purposes or benefits. This expression is often used to emphasize the proactive action of making use of available resources or opportunities.
When someone "availed themselves of" a service, opportunity, or help, they actively accessed it to obtain benefits or accomplish something. For example, a person might "avail themselves of" financial aid in order to study abroad or "avail themselves of" medical treatment to improve their health. In these cases, the individuals are taking full advantage of the services provided to fulfill their needs or desires.
Additionally, "availed of" can also suggest obtaining or acquiring the benefits that something offers. For instance, a student might "avail themselves of" the knowledge and experience gained from a particular course. In this context, the phrase highlights the outcome of utilizing a particular resource or opportunity.
Overall, "availed of" implies actively making use of available means, services, or opportunities to fulfill specific goals or obtain benefits. It emphasizes the proactive nature of utilizing resources and maximizing their potential.
The phrase "availed of" is primarily derived from the word "avail" and its usage as a verb.
The origin of "avail" can be traced back to the Old French word "availer", which meant "to be of worth or profit". This Old French term ultimately came from the Latin term "ad valēre", where "ad" means "to" and "valēre" means "be strong, be of value".
Over time, "avail" in English developed into a verb meaning "to be of use or advantage". The phrase "availed of" is typically used to convey the act of taking advantage of something or making practical use of it.