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 Words From

• non·usage 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

Recently Ray spoke to The Times about how his signature live show started as a gag to maximize the usage of exceptional makeup and turned Ray into an “advice”-giving, viral sensation.

From Los Angeles Times

The study contributes to a growing body of knowledge on the unintended consequences of environmental policies and offers insights applicable beyond plastic bag usage, Che said.

From Science Daily

This means people in larger properties will tend to pay more overall owing to higher energy usage, and those in smaller properties tend to pay less.

From BBC

Most recycling processes suffer from high energy usage, high emissions, and limited or low-quality recovered material.

From Science Daily

The CCW’s data is not calculated as a percentage of individual bills, which differ significantly owing to regional variations and usage levels for those on a meter.

From BBC

Related Words

• management