1 use
Pronounced:
/ˈju:z/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
us·es; used; us·ingMeaning:
1 [+ obj] : to do something with (an object, machine, person, method, etc.) in order to accomplish a task, do an activity, etc. ▪ I need to use the phone when you're done. ▪ The machine is easy to use. ▪ After the accident, she could no longer use her legs. ▪ We use only organic fertilizers on our farm. ▪ They make paper using traditional Japanese methods. ▪ He used his time there well/wisely. ▪ Don't use that kind of language with me! [=don't talk to me in that way] ▪ Will you use [=hire, employ] a contractor or oversee the construction of the house yourself? ▪ Which accountant/bank do you use? ▪ Maybe if we use our heads [=think carefully], we can figure this out. —often followed by to + verb ▪ Use this knife to cut the bread. ▪ More and more people are using the Internet to find/get information. —often + for ▪ She used the money for college. —often + as ▪ We use that room as an office. ▪ The word “place” can be used as a noun or verb.
2 [+ obj] : to take (something) from a supply in order to function or to do a task ▪ a new kind of light bulb that uses very little electricity ▪ Did you use all the eggs? ▪ Who used the last match? ▪ The car uses a lot of gas. —often + up ▪ Did you use up all the eggs?
3 [+ obj] —used to say that something is needed or to ask if something is needed or wanted —usually used with can or could ▪ Can you use this lamp? I don't want it anymore. ▪ The house could use [=it needs] a coat of paint. ▪ You look like you could use some sleep. [=you look like you need to sleep; you look tired] ▪ I sure could use some help.
4 a [+ obj] : to eat, drink, etc., (something) regularly ▪ I don't use [=(more commonly) take] sugar in my tea. ▪ She stopped using alcohol/drugs a year ago. b [no obj] informal : to take illegal drugs regularly ▪ How long has he been using?
5 [+ obj] a : to treat (someone) well in order to get something for yourself ▪ I realized that she was just using me (for my money). b : to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly ▪ I'd been driving them all over the place, and I was beginning to feel used.
2 [+ obj] : to take (something) from a supply in order to function or to do a task ▪ a new kind of light bulb that uses very little electricity ▪ Did you use all the eggs? ▪ Who used the last match? ▪ The car uses a lot of gas. —often + up ▪ Did you use up all the eggs?
3 [+ obj] —used to say that something is needed or to ask if something is needed or wanted —usually used with can or could ▪ Can you use this lamp? I don't want it anymore. ▪ The house could use [=it needs] a coat of paint. ▪ You look like you could use some sleep. [=you look like you need to sleep; you look tired] ▪ I sure could use some help.
4 a [+ obj] : to eat, drink, etc., (something) regularly ▪ I don't use [=(more commonly) take] sugar in my tea. ▪ She stopped using alcohol/drugs a year ago. b [no obj] informal : to take illegal drugs regularly ▪ How long has he been using?
5 [+ obj] a : to treat (someone) well in order to get something for yourself ▪ I realized that she was just using me (for my money). b : to treat (someone who is generous or helpful) unfairly ▪ I'd been driving them all over the place, and I was beginning to feel used.
use up [phrasal verb]
use up (something) or use (something) up : to take (all of something) from a supply ▪ She quickly used up (all of) her inheritance. ▪ Don't shower too long and use up (all) the hot water. —see also 1use 2 (above)