Meaning & Definition of Use in English

1. The act of using

• "He warned against the use of narcotic drugs"

• "Skilled in the utilization of computers"

2. What something is used for

• "The function of an auger is to bore holes"

• "Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"

3. A particular service

• "He put his knowledge to good use"

• "Patrons have their uses"

4. (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing

• "The consumption of energy has increased steadily"

5. (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation

• May be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition

• "Owls have nocturnal habits"

• "She had a habit twirling the ends of her hair"

• "Long use had hardened him to it"

6. Exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage

• "His manipulation of his friends was scandalous"

7. (law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property

• "We were given the use of his boat"

1. Put into service

• Make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

• "Use your head!"

• "We only use spanish at home"

• "I can't use this tool"

• "Apply a magnetic field here"

• "This thinking was applied to many projects"

• "How do you utilize this tool?"

• "I apply this rule to get good results"

• "Use the plastic bags to store the food"

• "He doesn't know how to use a computer"

2. Take or consume (regularly or habitually)

• "She uses drugs rarely"

3. Use up, consume fully

• "The legislature expended its time on school questions"

4. Seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage

• "She uses her influential friends to get jobs"

• "The president's wife used her good connections"

5. Avail oneself to

• "Apply a principle"

• "Practice a religion"

• "Use care when going down the stairs"

• "Use your common sense"

• "Practice non-violent resistance"

6. Habitually do something (use only in the past tense)

• "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"

• "They used to vacation in the bahamas"