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use

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verb

/juz/

present tense
I/you/we/they	use
he/she/it	uses
present participle	using
past tense	used
past participle	used

Other entries for this word

Related dictionary definitions

more dictionary definitions

1
[transitive] to do something using a machine, tool, skill, method, etc. in order to do a job or to achieve a result
Using a computer is so much quicker.
What type of soap do you use?
Using all his charm, he managed to persuade them.
use something for something:
Psychological tests are used for selection purposes.
use something for doing something:
Methane gas is used for heating and generating power.
use something as something:
I had to use a ski as a tent pole.
use something as an excuse/reason:
They used the recession as an excuse to get rid of workers.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
2
[transitive] to get a benefit for yourself from something that is available to you
Only about 30 people regularly use the bus service.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
3
[transitive] to take an amount from a supply of something in order to do a job or to achieve a result
You've used all the hot water again.
Most of that paint was used on the kitchen.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
4
[transitive] to treat someone in an unfair way, for example by pretending to care about them so that they do what you want
You know he's just using you.
use someone for your own ends (=to get what you want):
Liz has always used people for her own ends.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
5
[intransitive/transitive] to take illegal drugs regularly
In jail, he continued to deal and use drugs.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
6
[transitive] to say or write particular words
Don't use language like that in front of your little brother.
use something to do something:
McClaren used the same words to describe his feelings.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
7
[transitive] if you use a particular name, you call yourself by a different name from your usual one
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use

phrases

could use something
spoken
used for saying that someone or something needs a particular thing very much
You both look as if you could use a drink.
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use
use your head
to think carefully in order to understand something or to avoid making a mistake
Use your head: why would he say something like that if he was guilty?
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of use

phrasal verbs

use up

This is the American English definition of use. View British English definition of use.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

View the pronunciation for use.

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