use
use /ˈjuːz/
noun
-
(
)
The act of using
(
utilisation
[British] , employment
, exercise
, usage
, use
, utilization
)
the act of using
He warned against the use of narcotic drugs
he warned against the use of narcotic drugs
Skilled in the utilization of computers
skilled in the utilization of computers
-
()
What something is used for
(
role
, use
, function
, purpose
)
what something is used for
The function of an auger is to bore holes
the function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
-
()
A particular service
(
use
)
a particular service
He put his knowledge to good use
he put his knowledge to good use
Patrons have their uses
patrons have their uses
-
()
Exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
(
manipulation
, use
)
exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
His manipulation of his friends was scandalous
his manipulation of his friends was scandalous
-
()
(psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition
(
use
, habit
)
(psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition
Owls have nocturnal habits
owls have nocturnal habits
She had a habit twirling the ends of her hair
she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair
Long use had hardened him to it
long use had hardened him to it
-
()
(economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing
(
consumption
, economic consumption
, usance
[Archaic] , use
, use of goods and services
)
(economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing
The consumption of energy has increased steadily
the consumption of energy has increased steadily
-
(law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property
(
use
, enjoyment
)
(law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property
We were given the use of his boat
we were given the use of his boat
verb
-
()
Put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
(
utilise
, utilize
, employ
, apply
, use
)
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
Use your head!
use your head!
We only use Spanish at home
we only use Spanish at home
I can't use this tool
I can't use this tool
Apply a magnetic field here
Apply a magnetic field here
This thinking was applied to many projects
This thinking was applied to many projects
How do you utilize this tool?
How do you utilize this tool?
I apply this rule to get good results
I apply this rule to get good results
Use the plastic bags to store the food
use the plastic bags to store the food
He doesn't know how to use a computer
He doesn't know how to use a computer
-
()
Take or consume (regularly or habitually)
(
habituate
, use
)
take or consume (regularly or habitually)
She uses drugs rarely
She uses drugs rarely
-
()
Use up, consume fully
(
expend
, use
)
use up, consume fully
The legislature expended its time on school questions
The legislature expended its time on school questions
-
Habitually do something or be in a certan state or place (use only in the past tense)
(
use
)
habitually do something or be in a certan state or place (use only in the past tense)
She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally
She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally
I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall
I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall
They used to vacation in the Bahamas
They used to vacation in the Bahamas
She used to be his best friend and now they are enemies
she used to be his best friend and now they are enemies
-
Avail oneself to
(
use
, apply
, practice
)
avail oneself to
Apply a principle
apply a principle
Practice a religion
practice a religion
Use care when going down the stairs
use care when going down the stairs
Use your common sense
use your common sense
Practice non-violent resistance
practice non-violent resistance
-
Seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage
(
use
)
seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage
She uses her influential friends to get jobs
She uses her influential friends to get jobs
The president's wife used her good connections
The president's wife used her good connections
