use

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To do something with a tool, object, or method to get a result.

   We used horses to patrol the streets.

2. 2
   verb

   To say something was a habit or true in the past (used to).

   I used to call my parents every week, but now I call only occasionally.

3. 3
   noun

   The act of using something, or the way it is used.

   The doctor warned against the use of these drugs.

4. 4
   verb

   To take advantage of someone for your own benefit.

   He just used her to get closer to her famous brother.

5. 5
   noun

   A purpose that something serves; usefulness.

   I put their knowledge to good use.

Common collocations

• use a computer Verb + noun
• use an agent Verb + noun
• use force Verb + noun
• use your brain Verb + noun
• use up Verb + preposition/particle
• use a service Verb + noun

Noun from Middle English use, from Old French us, from Latin ūsus (“use, custom, skill, habit”), from past participle stem of ūtor (“use”). Displaced native Middle English note (“use”) (see note) from Old English notu; Middle English nutte (“use”) from Old English nytt; as well as Old English fricu and Old English sidu. Verb from Middle English usen, from Old French user (“use, employ, practice”), from Medieval Latin usare (“use”), frequentative form of past participle stem of Latin uti (“to use”). Displaced native Middle English noten, nutten (“to use”) (from Old English notian, nēotan, nytti…

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