use²

A1 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /juz/ UK /juːz/ See IPA manual

verb

Audio for this pronunciation isn’t available yet.

Homographs: use¹ /jus/ — noun

Pronunciation and word origins: Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Freq #302

Meanings

1

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

We used horses to patrol the streets.
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

verb
To take advantage of someone for your own benefit.

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

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to do something with a... apply employ utilize

Appears in

Phrases (6)

See all

use a computer
to operate a computer in order to carry out tasks

Verb + noun
use an agent
to employ an agent's services for a specific purpose

Verb + noun
use force
apply physical power to achieve something, especially to control people

Verb + noun
use your brain
to think carefully or make a mental effort to solve a problem

Verb + noun
use up
To consume or exhaust a supply of something completely

Verb + preposition/particle
use a service
to make use of a service that is available

Verb + noun

Etymology

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

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