used

UK: juːzd | US: juːzd

Definition

  1. adj. having been utilized or owned previously

  2. v. (past tense of "use") employed for a purpose

Structure
use <employ>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "used" derives from the Old French "user" (to employ, wear out), which traces back to Latin "uti" (to use). The suffix "-ed" marks the past tense or participle form in English, indicating completed action. Originally tied to the idea of "wearing out through use," its meaning expanded to general utilization.

Examples

  1. She bought a used car to save money.

  2. The tools were used for repairing the fence.

  3. He used all his savings for the trip.

  4. This technique is widely used in laboratories.

  5. The phrase is rarely used in modern English.