USED

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does used mean? 

• USED (adjective)
  The adjective USED has 3 senses:

1. employed in accomplishing something

2. (of persons) taken advantage of

3. previously used or owned by another

  Familiarity information: USED used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• USED (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Employed in accomplishing something

Context example:

the principle of surprise is the most used and misused of all the principles of war

Similar:

in use (currently being used)

employed; utilised; utilized (put to use)

Antonym:

misused (used incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose)

Sense 2

Meaning:

(of persons) taken advantage of

Synonyms:

exploited; ill-used; put-upon; used; victimised; victimized

Context example:

after going out of his way to help his friend get the job he felt not appreciated but used

Similar:

misused (used incorrectly or carelessly or for an improper purpose)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Previously used or owned by another

Synonyms:

secondhand; used

Context example:

bought a secondhand (or used) car

Similar:

old (of long duration; not new)

 Context examples 

And it does not appear to me that we are more serious than we used to be—I mean before my uncle went abroad.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Laurie told me how fond Mr. Laurence used to be of the child who died, and how he kept all her little things carefully.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

She used to be at the Allegro.

(The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It may also be used to diagnose certain kidney and liver disorders.

(AAP, NCI Dictionary)

He used the Duchess’s name, and in that way got the boy to come.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

I can assure you that the country air has used you wondrous well, and that I should be proud to see my pretty sister in the Mall.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

One or more sponsor-defined characters used to identify, name, or characterize the medical history items.

(Medical History Sponsor Defined Identifier, NCI Thesaurus)

And as to smaller-sized rooms than I had been used to, I really could not give it a thought.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

A question about whether an individual is or was able to write like they used to.

(Able to Write Like They Used To, NCI Thesaurus)

A question about whether an individual is or was able to read like they used to.

(Able to Read Like They Used To, NCI Thesaurus)