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use

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verb British English pronunciation: use /juːz/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyuse
he/she/ituses
present participleusing
past tenseused
past participleused
 
  1. 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  useThesaurus entry for this meaning of use
  2. 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  useThesaurus entry for this meaning of use
  3. 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  useThesaurus entry for this meaning of use
  4. 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  useThesaurus entry for this meaning of use
  5. 5
    [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  useThesaurus entry for this meaning of use
  7. 7
    [intransitive/transitive] to take illegal drugs regularly

    In jail, he continued to deal and use drugs.

    She’s using again.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  useThesaurus entry for this meaning of use

phrases

phrasal verbs

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

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a speech habit in which a speaker lowers their voice at the end of a sentence

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