use
the act of using
How often you will meet it
Rank 395 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 50,305 times across 175,177 chapters — 0.024% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 500 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
noun
- the act of using also: usage, utilization, utilisation, employment, exercise he warned against the use of narcotic drugsskilled in the utilization of computers
- what something is used for also: function, purpose, role the function of an auger is to bore holesballet is beautiful but what use is it?
- a particular service he put his knowledge to good usepatrons have their uses
- (economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing also: consumption, economic consumption, usance, use of goods and services the consumption of energy has increased steadily
- (psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition also: habit owls have nocturnal habitsshe had a habit twirling the ends of her hair
- exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage also: manipulation his manipulation of his friends was scandalous
verb
- put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose also: utilize, utilise, apply, employ use your head!we only use Spanish at home
use in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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This is the world's alms; pray make use of it.
The White Devil · John Webster · Chapter 1
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I bethought me, however, that his skin would be of use.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures · Daniel Defoe · Chapter 1
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The Negro was unruly, and Vance was forced to use his club.
The Red Record Tabulated Statistics · Ida B. Wells-Barnett · Chapter 1
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The whip-bearers were forced to use all their authority to keep this gaping crowd in order.
An Egyptian Princess — Volume 07 · Georg Ebers · Chapter 1
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The knights were surprised at the proficiency the lad had already attained in the use of his weapons.
A Knight of the White Cross · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1