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 use use /ˈjuːz/

noun

  1. () 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
  2. () 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?
  3. () 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
  4. () 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
  5. () (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
  6. () (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
  7. (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

  1. () 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
  2. () Take or consume (regularly or habitually)  ( habituate , use )
    take or consume (regularly or habitually)
     She uses drugs rarely
    She uses drugs rarely
  3. () 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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