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Usage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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usage

[ˈjuːsɪdʒ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in daily life

The way in which a word or phrase is normally and correctly used in a language, or the way in which people normally speak or write.

Synonyms

application, employment, utilization.

Examples of usage

  • The book provides examples of the word 'usage' in different contexts.
  • Proper word usage is important for effective communication.
Context #2 | Noun

legal context

The exercise of a right or power; the manner in which power or authority is used.

Synonyms

application, implementation, practice.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer argued that the usage of the property was in accordance with the lease agreement.
  • The court will determine if the contract's usage of terms was fair and reasonable.
Context #3 | Noun

technology

The amount of data transferred over a network or processed by a computer program.

Synonyms

activity, consumption, utilization.

Examples of usage

  • The software tracks the usage of each feature to improve user experience.
  • High data usage may result in additional charges on your phone bill.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In language studies, 'usage' refers to the accepted practices of language, which can change over time.
  • Many grammarians distinguish between 'prescriptive' usage (rules to follow) and 'descriptive' usage (actual spoken language).
  • Language evolves, so what was once considered correct usage may shift due to cultural influences.

Technology

  • With the rise of digital tools, 'usage' now often refers to how people interact with software and technology.
  • In web analytics, businesses track user 'usage' to understand how people navigate their websites.
  • Gaming industries study gameplay 'usage' to optimize experiences and engage players.

Cultural Studies

  • Cultural practices dictate different 'usage' of language, leading to unique slang terms in different communities.
  • In some cultures, the way language is used can reflect social status and education level.
  • The study of 'usage' can reveal how people from different backgrounds communicate and understand each other.

Education

  • Educators often focus on teaching proper 'usage' in writing to develop clear communication skills.
  • Contextual learning helps students understand effective 'usage' of words in various scenarios.
  • Discussions around 'usage' in academia can influence how new terms or expressions become standardized.

Origin of 'usage'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'usage,' which means the act of using something.
  • It has roots in Latin, originating from 'usus,' meaning 'use' or 'to utilize.'
  • In early English, 'usage' helped describe customary practices of language and behavior.

The word 'usage' originated from Middle English 'us', from Old French 'us', from Latin 'usus', from 'uti' meaning 'to use'. The term has been in use since the 14th century and has evolved to encompass various contexts and meanings.

See also: abuse, disuse, disused, misuse, misused, overuse, peruse, reusableness, reuse, reusing, underuse, unusable, unused, usability, usable, used, useful, usefully, usefulness, useless, uselessness, users, using, usual, utensil, utilize.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,942, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.