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use

[/juːz/ (verb), /juːs/ (noun)]
verb/noun
usar/uso
1. to employ something for a particular purpose
I use a pen to write.
Eu uso uma caneta para escrever.
2. to consume or expend
We used all the fuel.
Usamos todo o combustível.
3. the act or practice of employing something
The use of smartphones has increased.
O uso de smartphones aumentou.
4. purpose or function
What is the use of this tool?
Qual é o uso dessa ferramenta?
5. habitual or customary practice
It is the use in our family to have dinner together.
É o costume em nossa família jantar juntos.
Synonyms
employutilizeapplyoperate
Antonyms
disuseabandonneglect

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
usar
Standard usage throughout Brazil
São Paulo
usar
No significant regional variation
Rio de Janeiro
usar
No significant regional variation
Portugal
usar/utilizar
Both are commonly used; 'utilizar' may be more formal

Related Idioms & Phrases

use your head - use your intelligence
no use - pointless or futile
make use of - to take advantage of
in use - currently being used
use and throw - disposable items
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