usage

[yoo-sij, -zij]

noun

1. a customary way of doing something; a custom or practice.

   the usages of the last 50 years.

   Synonyms: convention, habit, tradition

2. the customary manner in which a language or a form of a language is spoken or written.

   English usage; a grammar based on usage rather than on arbitrary notions of correctness.

3. a particular instance of this.

   a usage borrowed from French.

4. any manner of doing or handling something; treatment.

   rough usage.

5. habitual or customary use; long-continued practice.

   immemorial usage.

6. an act of using or employing; use.

usage

/ -zɪdʒ, ˈjuːsɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or a manner of using; use; employment

2. constant use, custom, or habit

3. something permitted or established by custom or practice

4. what is actually said in a language, esp as contrasted with what is prescribed

Confusables Note

The nouns usage and use are related in origin and meaning and to some extent overlap in their use. Usage usually refers to habitual or customary practices or procedures: Some usages of the Anglican Church are similar to those of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also commonly used in reference to language practices: English usage is divided in the pronunciation of aunt. Use refers to the act of using or employing (something): She put her extra money to good use. Perhaps in the belief that it is the more impressive term, usage is sometimes used where use would be more natural: Has your usage of a personal computer made the work any easier?

Other Word Forms

• nonusage noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of usage¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French, from Medieval Latin ūsāticum, equivalent to Latin ūs(us) ( use ) + -āticum -age

Word History and Origins

Origin of usage¹

C14: via Old French, from Latin ūsus _use (n)

Example Sentences

Sangha is the last of five defendants tied to the “Friends” star’s overdose and ketamine usage.

From Los Angeles Times

"The scanner will enable shoppers to choose the avocado that is right for them and which therefore can help them plan their usage and desired shelf life," says Ms Lawrence.

From BBC

However, the pandemic working from home and rail usage has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels so peak travel times are less busy than they used to be.

From BBC

And by aiming that usage precisely at troubled spots, it can make underserved communities feel safer, and crime-ridden communities actually be safer.

From Los Angeles Times

While she would not provide statistics, a Pacific Bell spokeswoman said the phone experienced “very low outgoing usage.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• management