not new; owned or worn by someone before
John bought a used car to save money.
We donate our used clothes to charity every spring.
simple past tense and past participle of "use": employed something for a purpose
We used the map to find the hiking trail.
She used her creativity to decorate the room.
familiar with something so that it is no longer strange or difficult, usually followed by “to”
I am used to getting up early for work.
She wasn’t used to the spicy food at first.
to employ something or someone in order to do a job or reach a goal
You can use my pen to sign the form.
The firefighter used a ladder to reach the second-floor window.
✦ From Old French ‘user’, from Latin ‘ūtī’ meaning ‘to employ, enjoy’.
to consume a supply or amount of something
This printer uses a lot of ink.
Our old heater used too much electricity, so we replaced it.
to treat someone selfishly as a tool for your own benefit
He felt hurt because she only used him for free rides.
Don’t let anyone use you to advance their career.
to provide someone or something with a place to live, stay, or be stored
The shelter can house up to fifty stray dogs.
The museum houses an impressive collection of ancient pottery.
to make something happen or exist
Heavy rain caused the river to overflow its banks.
Eating too much sugar can cause tooth decay in children.
✦ From Middle English ‘causen’, borrowed from Old French ‘causer’, from Latin ‘causāre’ (to give reason).
to give all your attention and effort to one particular activity, subject, or problem
The students focus hard when the exam begins.
She needs to focus on finishing her science project tonight.
to adjust a camera, microscope, or other device so that the image becomes clear
Please focus the camera before you take the picture.
The scientist carefully focused the microscope to see the cells clearly.
a reason, often not a good one, that you give to explain why you did something wrong or couldn’t do something
Jack’s favorite excuse for being late is that the bus broke down.
That’s just an excuse—you could have finished the project on time.
