ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Use

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /juːs/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Use is a noun meaning The act of using.

Meaning

The act of using.

More Meanings

  1. (uncountable) The act of consuming alcohol or narcotics.
  2. (uncountable, followed by of) Usefulness, benefit.
  3. A function; a purpose for which something may be employed.
  4. Occasion or need to employ; necessity.
  5. (obsolete, rare) Interest for lent money; premium paid for the use of something; usury.
  6. (archaic) Continued or repeated practice; usage; habit.
  7. (obsolete) Common occurrence; ordinary experience.

Example Sentences

This tool has many uses.
'Tis use alone that sanctifies expense.
What's the use of a law that nobody follows?
God made two great lights, great for their use / To man.

Word Forms

Synonyms for use

Depending on context, synonyms include apply, employ, engage, utilise, utilize, exploit.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include utilisation, utilise, apply, function, utilize, practice.

Commonly Confused & Compared Words

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Sources & Attribution

FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.