Meaning and usage of the word use in English

Meaning of vocabulary use

useverb

sử dụng, dùng, sự dùng, sự sử dụng

/juːz/

Meaning of vocabulary <b>use</b></b>

Origin of the word use

The word "use" has a long and complex history. The earliest recorded use of the word "use" dates back to the 8th century, when it was derived from the Old English word "us," which meant "to be profitable" or "to serve a purpose." This Old English word is thought to be related to the Proto-Germanic word "*usiz," which shared a common ancestor with the Modern German word "nutzen," meaning "to use" or "to benefit." Throughout the Middle English period, the word "use" evolved to take on a broader range of meanings, including "benefit," "advantage," and "profit." The modern spelling of the word, "use," emerged in the 14th century, and it has since become a versatile and essential part of the English language. Today, the word "use" has a wide range of meanings, including "to employ for a specific purpose" and "to take advantage of something."

Vocabulary summary use

typenoun

meaningusage; usage

exampleto use something

exampleto be used for

examplein use: used, common

meaningright of use, right of use

exampleto use every means

exampleto use one's opportunities

exampleto use someone

meaningcapacity to use

exampleto use up all one's provisions

typetransitive verb

meaninguse

exampleto use something

exampleto be used for

examplein use: used, common

meaninguse, apply, take advantage of

exampleto use every means

exampleto use one's opportunities

exampleto use someone

meaningconsumption

exampleto use up all one's provisions

Example of vocabulary usenamespace

meaning

to do something with a machine, a method, an object, etc. for a particular purpose

  • Can I use the photocopier?
  • He makes beer using traditional methods.
  • The applicator makes the glue easy to use.
  • Have you ever used this software before?
  • The oven looked as if it had never been used.
meaning

to take a particular amount of a liquid, substance, etc. in order to achieve or make something

  • This type of heater uses a lot of electricity.
  • I hope you haven't used all the milk.
  • This paint is very expensive, so please use it sparingly.
meaning

to say or write particular words or a particular type of language

  • The poem uses simple language.
  • That's a word I never use.
  • You have to use the past tense.
  • ‘Ethics’ and ‘morality’ are often used interchangeably.
  • ‘Pop art’ is a term used to describe a movement that began in the 1950s.
meaning

to be kind, friendly, etc. to somebody with the intention of getting an advantage for yourself from them

meaning

to take illegal drugs

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary use

Idioms of vocabulary use

I, you, etc. could use something
(informal)used to say that you would like to have something very much
  • I think we could all use a drink after that!
use your head
(informal)used to tell somebody to think about something, especially when they have asked for your opinion or said something stupid
  • ‘Why don't you want to see him again?’ ‘Oh, use your head!’

Comment ()