This meaning relates to taking advantage of or employing an object or service for a specific purpose. It can refer to the action of employing something for a purpose or the state of something being employed. Its versatility in acting as both a noun and verb ensures that it appears across literature, everyday conversations, and various forms of media. Many words can replace «use» depending on the context, and here are some commonly employed synonyms. As a verb, the ‘s’ is pronounced like a ‘z’ («youz») while in the noun form, it is pronounced with a softer ‘s’ sound, more like the ‘s’ in «snake» («yoos»). As a noun, «use» refers to the act of employing something.
employ
In this context, «use» refers to exploiting a resource or a person for personal gain, often with negative connotations. We will only use your personal information for providing you with this service. Sign up to receive the Oxford English Dictionary Word of the Day email every day. If you are interested in looking up a particular word, the best way to do that is to use the search box at the top of every OED page. Here you can find a series of commentaries on the History of English, charting the history of the English language from Old English to the present day. Access our word lists and commentaries on an array of fascinating topics, from film-based coinages to Tex-Mex terms.
Synonyms of use
Here are some definitions that capture the word’s broad range of uses. Example queries I can run are «Which words in English are borrowed from French?», «Which words were first used by Charles Dickens?» or «How are words added to the dictionary?». Explore our World Englishes hub and access our resources on the varieties of English spoken throughout the world by people of diverse cultural backgrounds. An unsurpassed guide for researchers in any discipline to the meaning, history, and usage of over 500,000 words and phrases across the English-speaking world. Comprehensive resource for word definitions and usage
use American Dictionary
Here, use is being used as a noun followed by an infinitive verb. Where some people fall into trouble is that use to might sound correct to the ear. As a noun and verb, use is recorded in early Middle English, and ultimately derives via French from the Latin ? All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only.
Is ‘utilize’ a word worth using?
Yes, «use» and «apply» are often interchangeable when referring to employing a tool or method. To «make use» of something means to employ it effectively for a specific purpose. When «use» is a noun, the ‘s’ has a soft sound, as in /juːs/. Yes, «use» can carry a negative connotation, meaning to exploit or manipulate someone for personal gain. «Use» is neutral and can be applied in both formal and informal contexts. Is «use» a formal or informal word?
- The verb forms use to and used to both say that something that formerly existed or repeatedly happened no longer exists or happens.
- Many words can replace «use» depending on the context, and here are some commonly employed synonyms.
- 14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1
- We will only use your personal information for providing you with this service.
Personal account
- Here you can find a series of commentaries on the History of English, charting the history of the English language from Old English to the present day.
- The pronunciation of «use» can change depending on whether it is used as a verb or a noun.
- You can say, for example, that a particular method or technique is employed.
- When «use» is a noun, the ‘s’ has a soft sound, as in /juːs/.
One of the challenges of use, as we’ve already seen, is that is such a useful and highly used verb. Then, there’s the version of use as a verb that refers to a habitual action—that is, actions frequently done as a habit. Or did we used to look forward to the last day of school each year? But did we use to count down the days until school was out?
verb phrase
What is an example of «use» as a noun? Several variations of «use» exist, primarily when conjugating the verb form. «Use» is one of the most frequently encountered words in both spoken and written English. Here are ten examples that demonstrate how «use» can be applied in various contexts. Uncommon uses may involve formal legal language, such as the phrase «use of force.» For example, «The «use» of proper grammar is important in formal writing.»
Read our collection of word stories detailing the etymology and semantic development of a wide range of words, including ‘dungarees’, ‘codswallop’, and ‘witch’. If you’re used to learning about other commonly confused terms, you’re going to enjoy reading up on the uses of then and than. Historically, use had a number of senses that have fallen out of, well, use or familiarity today. Use today is commonly used in the sense of utilize, which shares its Latin roots with use.
The word «use» refers to employing or utilizing something for a particular purpose, and it can function as both a noun and a verb. The word appears in Middle English texts primarily in practical contexts, describing the employment of tools and resources. As a verb, it represents the action of employing something, while as a noun, it signifies the state or act of utilization.
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1 Use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end. The difference between the two rests entirely on the word did. The verb forms use to and used to both say that something that formerly existed or repeatedly happened no longer exists or happens.
«Use» can be both a noun and a verb. The most common definition of «use» is to employ something for a specific purpose. The rise of digital tools and difference between shareholder and stockholder apps has increased their usage in the context of technology, often relating to how people interact with devices and platforms. The pronunciation of «use» can change depending on whether it is used as a verb or a noun. «Use» functions as both a verb and a noun, making it a dynamic term in the English language.
Legal Definition
To use something is to employ it for some purpose or to put it into service. annuity present value formula calculator Uses became popular in medieval England, where they were often secretly employed as a method of evading laws (as those prohibiting mortmain) and penalties (as attainder) and to defeat creditors. An example of «use» as a noun is, «The
To add use to a word list please sign up or log in. The purpose of the Statute was to execute the use, investing the legal ownership of the property in the cestui que use, or one entitled to the beneficial enjoyment, and abolishing the ownership of the grantee. 13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
The word is commonly seen in everyday contexts, making it an essential part of modern communication. «Use» is a versatile word that serves as both a verb and a noun. However, employ is a formal word when it is used to talk about such things as methods or tools. If something is employed for a particular purpose, it is used for that purpose.
Word History
If you employ someone, you pay them to figuring out how many allowances you can claim on w work for you. Marketplace for millions of educator-created resources Over 500,000 expert-authored dictionary and thesaurus entries Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023 Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context.
You can also say that a machine, tool, or weapon is employed. You can say, for example, that a particular method or technique is employed. Math games and learning resources for kids French-English dictionary, translator, and learning Spanish-English dictionary, translator, and learning English dictionary and learning for Spanish speakers
