avail

Definition

To turn to the advantage of.

Etymology

From Middle English availen (“to be of use”), from Old French a (“to”) + vail from valoir (“to be worth”), from Latin valere (“to be worthy, strong”).

Example Sentences

• "I availed myself of the opportunity."
• "It asserts that the museum has clear protocols for dealing with any form of discrimination or discontent, which it says [Tanya] Barson never availed herself of, […]"
• "Artifices will not avail the sinner in the day of judgment."

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