Tra từ usn - Từ điển Oxford Learners Wordfinder Dictionary

1 using sth
2 sth being used
3 using sth wrongly

1 using sth
- to do sth with sth for a purpose: use sth
They use their spare bedroom as a study. ◎ I only use the car for taking the children to school.
- to use sth for a particular purpose: make* use of sth, (formal) utilize sth
You ought to make more use of the library. ◎ We're not utilizing our resources economically.
- the act of using sth: use (noun U)
People are worried by the increasing use of drugs by schoolchildren.
- a person who uses sth: user
Users are requested to turn off the lights when they leave the laboratory.
- to use natural resources, for example energy or food: consume sth; noun (U): consumption
The meat was declared unfit for human consumption.
- to use sth again: reuse sth
to reuse an old envelope
- to put sth (for example paper, glass) through a process that enables you to use it again: recycle sth
Save your paper for recycling.
- to use sth in order to see if it works or how well it works: try sth out
Take it home, try it out, and if you don't like it you can bring it back.
- to use one person or thing instead of another: replace A (with B), substitute B (for A); nouns (U): replacement, substitution
They want to replace him with a younger person. ◎ If she leaves, we'll have to advertise for a replacement. ◎ the substitution of one thing for another
- a person or thing that is used instead of another: replacement (for sb/sth), substitute (for sb/sth)
to use margarine as a substitute for butter
- if you no longer need to use sb/sth, you stop using them/it, (formal) dispense with them/it
I've stopped using my typewriter - I use a computer instead. ◎ We've entirely dispensed with security staff. We now rely on closed circuit TV.
※ using sth until it is finished
- to use sth until there is nothing left: use sth up, exhaust sth
You've used up all my envelopes! ◎ By the end of the journey we had almost exhausted our supplies.
- if sth has been used so much that it breaks or is no longer usable, it wears* out; to use sth so much that it breaks or is no longer usable: wear* sth out
These trousers have worn out - I'll have to throw them away.

2 sth being used
- the purpose for which sth is used: use, function
a penknife with lots of different uses ◎ For most people, the main function of a computer is as a word processor.
- to be used as sth: serve as sth
This box can serve as a table until we buy some furniture.
- if sth helps you or you can use it, it is useful; noun (U): usefulness
a useful tool ◎ Medical experts are questioning the usefulness of this treatment.
- something which can be used is usable
It's very old and no longer usable.
※ being useful USEFUL/SUITABLE
- being used at the moment: in use, (used about a system) operational, in operation, (used about a rule or arrangement) in effect
The room is in use at the moment - come back in five minutes. ◎ The new factory is now fully operational.
- to start using sth: bring* sth into use/operation/effect; to begin to be used: come* into use/operation/effect
When did fax machines come into use? ◎ The new timetable comes into effect on the 1 May.
- available for you to use: at your disposal, (used about a room, a seat, etc) free
You will have a small office at your disposal while you're working for us. ◎ 'Is this seat free?' 'No, I'm afraid it's taken.'
- easy to use: user-friendly
a user-friendly computer program
- designed to be thrown away after you have used it: disposable
disposable nappies ◎ a disposable razor
※ not used
- if sth is not being used or cannot be used because it is broken it is out of use
My car's been out of use for two months now.
- not yet used: unused
an unused envelope
- no longer used: abandoned, (used about buildings) disused, derelict
We saw several abandoned cars at the side of the road. ◎ a disused warehouse ◎ a derelict house

3 using sth wrongly
- to use sth in a way that it is not intended to be used: misuse sth; noun (U): misuse
I'm worried about the possible misuse of this equipment.
- to use a person or thing wrongly, and in a way which may damage them/it: abuse sb/sth; noun (C/U): abuse
to suffer physical and mental abuse ◎ an abuse of power
- to use sb/sth selfishly, wrongly or unfairly: exploit sb/sth; noun (U): exploitation
I felt I was being exploited. ◎ To work so hard for so little money sounds like exploitation.
- to use sth in a careless or unnecessary way: waste sth; adjective: wasteful (adverb wastefully)
He wastes his money gambling. ◎ It seems wasteful to spend so much money at Christmas.
- if you think that it is a pity that sb/sth good or useful is not being used, you can say that it is a waste
a waste of valuable resources