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.
the act of using something or the state of being used
The playground is closed, so the swings are not in use.
Regular use of sunscreen protects your skin.
a purpose or function that something serves
Is there any use for this broken umbrella?
Glass jars have many uses, like storing herbs or screws.
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.
the benefit or advantage gained from something
It’s no use arguing; the decision is final.
What use is a key without a lock?
one of the separate groups of elected representatives that together form a parliament or legislature
A bill must pass both Houses before it becomes law.
The House of Representatives voted on the measure.
the reason why something happens
Scientists are still looking for the cause of the mysterious disease.
Smoke was the main cause of death in the fire, not the flames themselves.
✦ From Latin ‘causa’ meaning ‘reason, motive’.
a goal, principle, or organization that people work hard to support
She has devoted her life to the cause of animal rights.
Volunteers sold homemade cookies to raise money for the cause.
✦ Extension of the idea of ‘cause’ as something that motivates action, first recorded in English in the 14th century.
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.
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.
