B1adjective1K

Used

UK /["/juːst/"]/US /["/juːst/"]/

Definition

familiar with something because you do it or experience it often

In simple words: Having been owned or handled before.

Examples

  • I'm not used to eating so much at lunchtime.
  • He was used to people asking him for autographs.
  • I'm used to things going wrong in my life.
  • I'm so used to answering this question, sometimes it's automatic.
  • I found the job tiring at first but I soon **got used to** it.
  • Maybe I just need some time to get **used to the idea **of being a mother
  • She had gradually grown used to him.

Usage notes

Commonly used to describe items that are not new. Use in informal situations when discussing purchases or belongings, but avoid when talking about new items.

Grammar pattern

used + object

Memory hint

Think of 'used' like an old book that has been read many times.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • commonly
  • extensively
  • frequently

Synonyms

  • previously owned
  • second-hand
  • worn

Antonyms

  • new
  • unused

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'used' with 'use' as a verb.
  • Incorrectly saying 'use' instead of 'used' when referring to past items.
  • Using 'using' instead of 'used' for past actions.