Use
/juːz/noun
To employ something for a purpose, or the act of doing so.
Did you know?The word ultimately goes back to Latin *uti*, meaning “to use” or “to enjoy,” a root that also gave English *utility* and *usury*—proof that one tiny verb helped shape both practical life and financial power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wes-
“to dwell, remain, stay”
Latin
Latin
uti
“to use, employ, enjoy”
Late Latin
Latin
usus
“use, practice, custom”
Old French
Old French
user
“to use up, consume”
Middle English
English
usen
“to use”
Modern English
English
use
“to employ for a purpose”