avail

UK: əˈveɪl | US: əˈveɪl

Definition

  1. v. to be of use or advantage

  2. n. use or benefit (chiefly in phrases like "to no avail")

Structure
a <to, toward>vail <be worth, from Latin valere>
Etymology

The word "avail" traces back to the Old French a (a variant of à, meaning "to") + vail (from Latin valere, meaning "to be strong or worth"). The Latin root valere also gives us words like "value," "valid," and "prevail." Over time, "avail" evolved to signify usefulness or advantage, reflecting the idea of something "being of worth" toward a purpose.

Examples

  1. His efforts to convince her were of no avail.

  2. She tried to avail herself of every opportunity.

  3. The medicine did not avail the patient.

  4. To avail the discount, register before the deadline.

  5. His advice was of little avail in solving the problem.