the act of using; he warned against the use of narcotic drugs; skilled in the utilization of computers
[ Syn: usage , utilization , utilisation , employment , exercise ]
what something is used for; the function of an auger is to bore holes; ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
a particular service; he put his knowledge to good use; patrons have their uses'
(economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing; the consumption of energy has increased steadily
[ Syn: consumption , economic consumption , usance , use of goods and services ]
(psychology) an automatic pattern of behavior in reaction to a specific situation; may be inherited or acquired through frequent repetition; owls have nocturnal habits; she had a habit twirling the ends of her hair; long use had hardened him to it
[ Syn: habit ]
exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for ones own advantage; his manipulation of his friends was scandalous
[ Syn: manipulation ]
(law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property; we were given the use of his boat
[ Syn: enjoyment ]
use (n.)
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose; use your head!; we only use Spanish at home; I cant use this tool; Apply a magnetic field here; This thinking was applied to many projects; How do you utilize this tool?; I apply this rule to get good results; use the plastic bags to store the food; He doesnt know how to use a computer
take or consume (regularly or habitually); She uses drugs rarely
[ Syn: habituate ]
use up, consume fully; The legislature expended its time on school questions
[ Syn: expend ]
seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage; She uses her influential friends to get jobs; The president's wife used her good connections'
avail oneself to; apply a principle; practice a religion; use care when going down the stairs; use your common sense; practice non-violent resistance
habitually do something (use only in the past tense); She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally; I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall; They used to vacation in the Bahamas'