English dictionary



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English noun: use

1. use (act) the act of using


SamplesHe warned against the use of narcotic drugs.
Skilled in the utilization of computers.


Synonymsemployment, exercise, usage, utilisation, utilization


Broader (hypernym)activity


Narrower (hyponym)abuse, application, development, exploitation, misuse, play, practical application, practice, recycling

2. use (attribute) what something is used for


SamplesThe function of an auger is to bore holes.
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?.


Synonymsfunction, purpose, role


Broader (hypernym)usefulness, utility


Narrower (hyponym)raison d'etre


Attributefunctional, nonfunctional

3. use (attribute) a particular service


SamplesHe put his knowledge to good use.
Patrons have their uses.


Broader (hypernym)usefulness, utility

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


SamplesThe consumption of energy has increased steadily.


Synonymsconsumption, economic consumption, usance, use of goods and services


Broader (hypernym)demand


Narrower (hyponym)conspicuous consumption


Domain categoryeconomic science, economics, political economy

5. use (act) (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition


SamplesOwls have nocturnal habits.
She had a habit twirling the ends of her hair.
Long use had hardened him to it.


Synonymshabit


Broader (hypernym)custom, usage, usance


Narrower (hyponym)cleanliness, ritual, second nature


Domain categorypsychological science, psychology

6. use (act) exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage


SamplesHis manipulation of his friends was scandalous.


Synonymsmanipulation


Broader (hypernym)influence


Narrower (hyponym)mind game

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


SamplesWe were given the use of his boat.


Synonymsenjoyment


Broader (hypernym)legal right


Narrower (hyponym)fair use, fruition


Domain categoryjurisprudence, law


English verb: use

1. use (consumption) put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose


SamplesUse 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.


ExamplesThey use the animals


Synonymsapply, employ, utilise, utilize


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s something.
Somebody ----s something to somebody.
Somebody ----s something PP.
Somebody ----s somebody to INFINITIVE


Narrower (hyponym)address, assign, avail, cannibalise, cannibalize, commit, consecrate, dedicate, devote, enjoy, exercise, exert, exploit, exploit, extend, fall back, give, implement, misapply, misuse, overdrive, overuse, play, play, ply, pull out all the stops, put, put to work, recur, recycle, reprocess, resort, reuse, share, strain, take, tap, waste, work, work


Causeapply, go for, hold


Verb groupapply, practice, use

2. use (consumption) take or consume (regularly or habitually)


SamplesShe uses drugs rarely.


Synonymshabituate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)consume, have, ingest, take, take in


Narrower (hyponym)board, drink, tope

3. use (consumption) use up, consume fully


SamplesThe legislature expended its time on school questions.


ExamplesThey use the money


Synonymsexpend


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Something ----s something


Narrower (hyponym)abuse, abuse, blow, misuse, occupy, pervert, spare, squander, take, use up, waste


Entailconsume, deplete, eat, eat up, exhaust, run through, use up, wipe out

4. use (social) seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage


SamplesShe uses her influential friends to get jobs.
The president's wife used her good connections.


ExamplesThey use him to write the letter


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody


Broader (hypernym)exploit, work


Narrower (hyponym)take advantage, trespass

5. use (social) avail oneself to


SamplesApply a principle.
Practice a religion.
Use care when going down the stairs.
Use your common sense.
Practice non-violent resistance.


Synonymsapply, practice


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Narrower (hyponym)follow


Verb groupapply, employ, use, utilise, utilize

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


SamplesShe 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.


Pattern of useSomebody ----s to INFINITIVE


Broader (hypernym)act, move









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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