Search for synonyms and antonyms

Functioning and Using

noun

  • Process or manner of functioning or operating.
    • usage: "the power of its engine determines its operation"; "the plane's operation in high winds"; "they compared the cooking performance of each oven"; "the jet's performance conformed to high standards"

verb

  • Perform as expected when applied.
    • usage: "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
  • Serve a purpose, role, or function.
    • usage: "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk"
  • Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function.
    • usage: "His wife officiated as his private secretary"

adjective

  • Performing or able to perform its regular function.
    • usage: "a functioning flashlight"

noun

  • An act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly. )
    • usage: "capitalistic exploitation of the working class"; "paying Blacks less and charging them more is a form of victimization"

verb

  • Put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose.
    • usage: "use your head"; "we only use Spanish at home"; "I can't use this tool"; "Apply a magnetic field here"; "This thinking was applied to many projects"; "How do you utilize this tool"; "I apply this rule to get good results"; "use the plastic bags to store the food"; "He doesn't know how to use a computer"
  • Take or consume (regularly or habitually. )
    • usage: "She uses drugs rarely"
  • Use up, consume fully.
    • usage: "The legislature expended its time on school questions"
  • Seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage.
    • usage: "She uses her influential friends to get jobs"; "The president's wife used her good connections"
  • Avail oneself to.
    • usage: "apply a principle"; "practice a religion"; "use care when going down the stairs"; "use your common sense"; "practice non-violent resistance"
  • Habitually do something (use only in the past tense. )
    • usage: "She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally"; "I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall"; "They used to vacation in the Bahamas"
(p.pr.&vb.n.) of Use.