I. noun
1.
the act or practice of using something or the state of being used
all tools must be kept ready for instant use
Synonyms: appliance, application, employment, operation, play, usance; compare exercise 1
Contrasted words: desuetude, disuse
Antonyms: nonuse
2.
Synonyms: exercise 1, application, employment, exercising, exertion, operation
3.
the quality of being appropriate or valuable to some end
even the scraps had some use
Synonyms: account, advantage, applicability, appropriateness, avail, fitness, relevance, service, serviceability, usefulness, utility
Related Word: adaptability, availability, benefit, efficacy; profit, value, worth
Contrasted words: inadequacy, inapplicability, inappropriateness, insufficiency, unfitness, unserviceability, uselessness, worthlessness
4.
a particular service or end
industrial uses of atomic energy
Synonyms: duty, function, goal, mark, object, objective, purpose, target
5.
Synonyms: habit 1, custom, habitude, manner, practice, praxis, trick, usage, way, wont
Related Word: ceremony, formality
6.
Synonyms: need 3, demand, occasion
II. verb
1.
Synonyms: accustom , familiarize, habituate, inure, wont
2.
to put into action or service
it is necessary to use resources wisely
Synonyms: apply, bestow, employ, exercise, exploit, handle, utilize
Related Word: manipulate, operate, ply, wield; control, govern, manage, regulate
Idioms: avail oneself of, bring into play, fall back (on or upon), make use of, press into service, put into action, put to use
Contrasted words: dissipate, exhaust, use up; waste
3.
Synonyms: operate 3, handle, run, work
4.
Synonyms: speak 3, converse (in), parley, talk
5.
Synonyms: exploit 2, abuse, impose (on or upon)
Idioms: make the most of, make use of
6.
Synonyms: treat 2, deal (with), handle, play, serve, take