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

Russia is the second-largest country in the world by TOR usage, accounting for 15% of all traffic.

From Salon

Any military action must be “reasonable and necessary,” as well as “proportionate to the military usage that is occurring.”

From Salon

The body that represents energy companies, Energy UK, has confirmed for the first time there is a regional divide - because of the way meters send usage data back to suppliers.

From BBC

His usage rate is also at a career low.

From Los Angeles Times

The high costs were also due to greater usage of ingredients as Chipotle “focused on ensuring consistent and generous portions” and the introduction of a new limited-time-only protein option, Smoked Brisket.

From Salon

Related Words

• management