use

²use

verb \ˈyüz\

used\ˈyüzd, in the phrase “used to” usually ˈyüs(t)\us·ing\ˈyü-ziŋ\

Definition of USE

transitive verb

1

archaic : accustom, habituate

2

: to put into action or service : avail oneself of : employ

3

: to consume or take (as liquor or drugs) regularly

4

: to carry out a purpose or action by means of : utilize; also : manipulate 2b <used him selfishly>

5

: to expend or consume by putting to use —often used with up

6

: to behave toward : act with regard to : treat <used the prisoners cruelly>

7

: stand 1d <the house could use a coat of paint>

intransitive verb

1

—used in the past with to to indicate a former fact or state <we used to go more often> <didn't use to smoke>

2

: to take illicit drugs regularly

Examples of USE

1. I need to use the phone when you're done.
2. The machine is easy to use.
3. After the accident, she could no longer use her legs.
4. We use only organic fertilizers on our farm.
5. They make paper using traditional Japanese methods.
6. He used his time there well.
7. Which accountant do you use?
8. a new kind of light bulb that uses very little electricity
9. Did you use all the eggs?
10. Who used the last match?

First Known Use of USE

14th century

Related to USE

Synonyms: apply, employ, exercise, exploit, harness, operate, utilize, bring to bear, draw on (or upon), make use of

Related Words: handle, manipulate, wield; direct, run, work; cannibalize, recycle, reuse

Near Antonyms: ignore, neglect; misapply, misuse

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Synonym Discussion of USE

use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end. use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end <willing to use any means to achieve her ends>. employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged <looking for better ways to employ their skills>. utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something <an old wooden bucket utilized as a planter>.

Rhymes with USE

blues, booze, bruise, choose, cruise, cruse, Druze, flews, fuse, lose, Meuse, muse, news, ooze, Ouse, roose, ruse, schmooze, snooze, trews, whose