use

The word “use” means to employ something for a particular purpose. In plain terms, to put something to work for a purpose — or, as a noun, the act or purpose of doing so.

“Use” is pronounced yoos (/jus/ in IPA).

Here is “use” used in a sentence: “She used a hammer to fix the loose shelf.”

Depending on how it is used, “use” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “use” comes from Latin. From Old French user, "to use, employ," from Latin ūtor, "to use.".

“Use” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Use” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to employ something for a particular purpose.

The two are close, but 'use' is the plain, everyday word for employing something for its purpose. 'Utilize' is more formal and often implies making practical or clever use of something, especially in a way it wasn't originally meant for. In most sentences, 'use' is simpler and reads better than 'utilize.'

'Use' is the present-tense verb meaning to employ something. 'Used to' is a separate expression describing a past habit or state that no longer applies — 'I used to walk to school.' Though they share spelling, 'used to' points to something that was once true but has since changed.

You might say, 'I use a knife to cut bread,' or 'She uses her phone to check the time.' In each case, something is being employed for a specific purpose. The verb applies to tools, skills, language, or resources — anything put to work to achieve a result.