use
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1use
noun \ˈyüs\Definition of USE
1
a : the act or practice of employing something : employment, application <he made good use of his spare time> b : the fact or state of being used <a dish in daily use> c : a method or manner of employing or applying something <gained practice in the use of the camera>
2
a (1) : habitual or customary usage (2) : an individual habit or group custom b : a liturgical form or observance; especially : a liturgy having modifications peculiar to a local church or religious order
3
a : the privilege or benefit of using something <gave him the use of her car> b : the ability or power to use something (as a limb or faculty) c : the legal enjoyment of property that consists in its employment, occupation, exercise, or practice <she had the use of the estate for life>
4
a : a particular service or end <put learning to practical use> b : the quality of being suitable for employment <saving things that might be of use> c : good 2b <it's no use arguing> d : the occasion or need to employ <took only what they had use for>
5
a : the benefit in law of one or more persons; specifically : the benefit or profit of property established in one other than the legal possessor b : a legal arrangement by which such benefits and profits are so established
6
: a favorable attitude : liking <had no use for modern art>
See Examples of USE
- Two players were suspended for illegal drug use.
- Doctors have found a new use for the drug.
- According to the dictionary, the word has two uses.
Origin of USE
Middle English us, from Anglo-French, from Latin usus, from uti to use
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to USE
- Synonyms
- application, employment, exercise, operation, play, usage
- Antonyms
- uselessness, worthlessness
2use
verb \ˈyüz\used \ˈyüzd, in the phrase “used to” usually ˈyüs(t)\ us·ing \ˈyü-ziŋ\
Definition of USE
transitive verb
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
- I need to use the phone when you're done.
- The machine is easy to use.
- After the accident, she could no longer use her legs.
- We use only organic fertilizers on our farm.
- They make paper using traditional Japanese methods.
- He used his time there well.
- Which accountant do you use?
- a new kind of light bulb that uses very little electricity
- Did you use all the eggs?
- Who used the last match?
First Known Use of USE
14th century
Related to USE
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>.
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