1 use
/ˈjuːz/
verb
uses;
used;
using
1 use
/ˈjuːz/
verb
uses;
used;
using
Britannica Dictionary definition of USE
1
[+ object]
:
to do something with (an object, machine, person, method, etc.) in order to accomplish a task, do an activity, etc.
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I need to use the phone when you're done.
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The machine is easy to use.
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After the accident, she could no longer use her legs.
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We use only organic fertilizers on our farm.
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They make paper using traditional Japanese methods.
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He used his time there well/wisely.
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Don't use that kind of language with me! [=don't talk to me in that way]
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Will you use [=hire, employ] a contractor or oversee the construction of the house yourself?
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Which accountant/bank do you use?
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Maybe if we use our heads [=think carefully], we can figure this out.
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— often followed by to + verb
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Use this knife to cut the bread.
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More and more people are using the Internet to find/get information.
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— often + for
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She used the money for college.
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— often + as
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We use that room as an office.
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The word “place” can be used as a noun or verb.
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2
[+ object]
:
to take (something) from a supply in order to function or to do a task
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a new kind of light bulb that uses very little electricity
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Did you use all the eggs?
(Video) Dictionary definition Meaning -
Who used the last match?
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The car uses a lot of gas.
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— often + up
-
Did you use up all the eggs?
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3
[+ object]
— used to say that something is needed or to ask if something is needed or wanted
— usually used with can or could
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Can you use this lamp? I don't want it anymore.
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The house could use [=it needs] a coat of paint.
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You look like you could use some sleep. [=you look like you need to sleep; you look tired]
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I sure could use some help.
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4
a
[+ object]
:
to eat, drink, etc., (something) regularly
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I don't use [=(more commonly) take] sugar in my tea.
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She stopped using alcohol/drugs a year ago.
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b
[no object]
informal
:
to take illegal drugs regularly
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How long has he been using?
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5
[+ object]
a
:
to treat (someone) well in order to get something for yourself
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I realized that she was just using me (for my money).
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b
:
to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly
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I'd been driving them all over the place, and I was beginning to feel used.
(Video) Getting the Meaning of Words Using a Dictionary
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use up
[phrasal verb]
use up (something)
or
use (something) up
:
to take (all of something) from a supply
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She quickly used up (all of) her inheritance.
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Don't shower too long and use up (all) the hot water.
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— see also 1use 2 (above)
— see also used, used to
2 use
/ˈjuːs/
noun
plural
uses
2 use
/ˈjuːs/
noun
plural
uses
Britannica Dictionary definition of USE
1
[noncount]
a
:
the act of using something
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The knife has become dull from constant use. [=from being used very often over a period of time]
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Two players were suspended for illegal drug use.
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— often + of
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The law requires the use of seat belts. [=the law requires people to wear seat belts]
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We talked about the author's use of irony in the novel.
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b
:
the state of being used
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All of the computers are currently in use. [=are currently being used]
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When did the word first come into use? [=when was the word first used?]
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Typewriters have practically gone out of use. [=almost no people use typewriters anymore]
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2
a
[count]
:
a way in which something is or can be used
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This tool has many uses. [=you can do many things with this tool]
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Doctors have found a new use for the drug.
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According to the dictionary, the word has two uses.
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The technique has its uses [=the technique is useful in some ways], but better methods are available.
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b
[singular]
:
a way to use something or someone
— usually + for
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I thought you might be able to find a use for this lamp. [=I thought that you might be able to use this lamp for some purpose]
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Thanks for volunteering. I'm sure we'll be able to find a use for someone with your skills and experience.
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Do you have a/any use for this old computer?
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3
[noncount]
:
the opportunity or right to use something
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She gave me the use of her car [=she allowed me to use her car] while she was away.
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The pool is for the use of hotel guests only. [=only hotel guests are allowed to swim in the pool]
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4
[noncount]
— used to say that something or someone is or is not helpful or useful
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It's too small to be of use.
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I don't think that dreams are of much use in predicting the future. [=I don't think that dreams help people predict the future]
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Go home and rest. You're no use to us if you're sick. [=you cannot help us if you're sick]
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He's been of no use at all to me. [=he hasn't helped me at all]
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I felt that I could be of some use to her. [=that I could help her in some way]
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There's no use (in) worrying about the past. [=worrying about the past will not help, make anything better, etc.]
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“You should talk to her.” “What's the use? [=talking to her will not help] She's not going to change her mind.”
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What's the use of trying? It won't help.
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5
[noncount]
:
the ability or power to use something
— + of
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He lost (the) use of his legs in a car accident.
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have no use for
or
not have any use for
:
to not like or value (someone or something)
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I have no use for such rude people.
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I'm a logical person. I have no use for sentimentality.
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it's no use
— used to say that something you have tried to do cannot be done
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It's no use—the door won't open.
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We tried our hardest, but it was no use.
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make use of
:
to use (something)
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She made use of the money to pay for college.
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He tried to make good/better use of his spare time. [=he tried to use it in a better and more productive way]
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put (something) to (good) use
:
to use (something) in an effective way
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I'm looking forward to putting my new skills to use. [=to using my new skills; to doing what I have just learned to do]
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Thanks for the donation. We'll put it to good use. [=we'll do something good with it]
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FAQs
How Enough is enough meaning? ›
used to say that one wants something to stop because one can no longer accept or deal with it. I don't mind lending her a bit of money now and then, but enough is enough!
What is the full meaning of enough? ›: in or to a degree or quantity that satisfies or that is sufficient or necessary for satisfaction : sufficiently.
How much is enough definition? ›determiner. Enough means as much as you need or as much as is necessary. They had enough cash for a one-way ticket. pronoun. If you say that something is enough, you mean that you do not want it to continue any longer or get any worse.
Has enough meaning? ›If you say that you have had enough, you mean that you are unhappy with a situation and you want it to stop.
How are you enough meaning? ›“You are enough” means that there is nothing you need to be deemed as valuable and worthwhile.
How do you use enough correctly? ›We normally only use enough of when it is followed by a determiner or a pronoun (a/an/the, this/that, my/your/his, you/them, etc.). There isn't enough of that bread to make sandwiches for everyone. I've seen enough of his work to be able to recommend him. There's enough of us to make a difference.