Dictionary monolingual
English

Use

juz
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Use -

To utilize or employ something for a specific purpose

Example: I use my phone to make calls.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'use' and can refer to the act of using something for a particular function or task.

To consume or take advantage of something

Example: I use my free time to read books.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: In this context, 'use' implies making productive or beneficial use of a resource like time or opportunity.

To habitually or customarily do something

Example: She uses humor to diffuse tense situations.
Usage: formalContext: professional environments
Note: This meaning of 'use' suggests employing a particular method or behavior as a regular practice.

To exploit or manipulate someone or something for personal gain

Example: He used his connections to get the job.
Usage: formalContext: business negotiations
Note: In this sense, 'use' can have a slightly negative connotation, implying taking advantage of a situation or relationship for personal benefit.

Use's synonyms

utilize

To utilize means to make practical use of something or to apply it for a specific purpose. It is often used in a formal context.
Example: She decided to utilize her skills in a new job.
Note: Utilize is slightly more formal than 'use' and can imply a more intentional or strategic application of something.

employ

To employ means to make use of something as a means of achieving a particular purpose or result. It is commonly used in professional or technical contexts.
Example: He employed a new technique to solve the problem.
Note: Employ is often used in a professional or technical setting and can imply a deliberate choice or methodical use of something.

apply

To apply means to put to use or implement something for a specific purpose or effect. It is commonly used in academic or practical contexts.
Example: You can apply the knowledge you gained in this course to your daily life.
Note: Apply is often used in contexts where specific knowledge, skills, or methods are put into practice.

utilise

Utilise is the British English spelling of 'utilize', meaning to make practical use of something or to apply it for a specific purpose. It is commonly used in formal contexts in British English.
Example: She decided to utilise her skills in a new job.
Note: Utilise is the British English spelling of 'utilize', with no significant difference in meaning.

exploit

To exploit means to make full use of something in a way that benefits from it, sometimes implying a degree of manipulation or taking advantage of a situation.
Example: The company exploited the latest technology to improve efficiency.
Note: Exploit can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting a strategic or opportunistic use of something for personal gain.

Use expressions, common phrases

Make use of

To use something effectively or for a specific purpose.
Example: You should make use of the resources available to you.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of utilizing something effectively.

Put to good use

To use something in a way that is beneficial or productive.
Example: She put her artistic talents to good use by painting murals in the community.
Note: It implies using something for a positive or constructive purpose.

Use up

To consume or exhaust the available supply of something.
Example: I've used up all the printer ink, so we need to buy more.
Note: It suggests depleting a resource or using something completely.

Use your head

To employ common sense or intelligence in a situation.
Example: Come on, use your head and think before you act.
Note: It encourages someone to think logically or wisely.

Use your imagination

To creatively visualize or think of new ideas.
Example: Children are encouraged to use their imagination when playing.
Note: It emphasizes creative thinking or mental creativity.

Use caution

To be careful or prudent in a situation to avoid harm or danger.
Example: It's best to use caution when handling chemicals.
Note: It stresses the importance of being careful or wary.

Use it or lose it

If you don't continue to use or practice a skill, you may forget it.
Example: You need to practice your language skills regularly; it's a case of use it or lose it.
Note: It highlights the concept of losing a skill or ability if not maintained.

Use everyday (slang) expressions

Put to use

To utilize or make use of something in a practical way.
Example: I finally found a way to put my skills to use in the new project.
Note: Similar to 'use', but emphasizes actively employing or applying something purposefully.

In use

Being actively utilized or occupied.
Example: The conference room is currently in use, so we'll have to find another space for the meeting.
Note: Describes the current state of something being used, as opposed to focusing on the action of using itself.

No use

Indicates futility or lack of effectiveness in a particular situation.
Example: It's no use trying to convince him; he's made up his mind.
Note: Suggests that attempting to use or apply effort in a certain way will not lead to success or desired outcome.

Useless

Having no practical value or purpose.
Example: This old laptop is useless; I need to get a new one.
Note: Goes beyond simply not being used to convey that something lacks the ability to be used effectively or productively.

Heavy use

Significant or frequent utilization of something.
Example: The printer is experiencing heavy use today due to the large number of documents being printed.
Note: Emphasizes the intensity or volume of usage, indicating a high level of activity or demand.

Usage

The manner or frequency in which something is used.
Example: The usage of smartphones has increased dramatically over the past decade.
Note: Refers to the specific way that something is used or the frequency of its usage, providing a more detailed perspective compared to the general concept of 'use'.

Underused

Not used to its full potential or as much as expected.
Example: The gym equipment is often underused, so we might need to promote it more.
Note: Highlights a situation where something is not being fully utilized or utilized less than it could or should be, implying wasted potential or opportunity.

Use - Examples

I use my phone to check my emails.
We can use this tool to fix the problem.
They apply the latest technology in their production process.

Use grammar

Use - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: use
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): uses, use
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): use
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): used
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): using
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): uses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): use
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): use
Syllables, Separation and Stress
use Contains 1 syllables: use
Phonetic transcription: ˈyüz
use , ˈyüz (The red syllable is stressed)

Use - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
use: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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