usage

/ˈjuːsɪdʒ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈjuːsɪdʒ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈyü-sij -zij/ (ame, mw)

usage — noun

  • usagesingular
  • usagesplural

1. The typical manner in which words, phrases, or a whole language are employed by

1.名詞B2
釋義

The typical manner in which words, phrases, or a whole language are employed by people in everyday communication.

例句

Ada checked the dictionary to find the correct usage of the word "nevertheless."

collocation: correct usage

The English teacher explained the modern usage of "they" as a singular pronoun.

collocation: modern usage

同義詞
  • employment

    more formal; lacks the language-specific sense of 'usage'

  • application

    emphasises putting something into practice for a particular purpose

文法句型

usage + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Distinguish from 'use' (noun) — 'usage' focuses on the customary or conventional way a word or expression is employed by a language community, not merely the act of using it.

常見錯誤

❌The usage of a fork for eating is common everywhere.
✅The use of a fork for eating is common everywhere.
💡'usage' refers to how language is conventionally employed; for physical tools, prefer 'use.'

2. The amount or manner in which something is employed, consumed, or handled, espec

2.名詞B1
釋義

The amount or manner in which something is employed, consumed, or handled, especially a resource or product.

例句

The city reduced water usage after the drought left the reservoir nearly empty.

collocation: water usage

Samir checked the battery usage report on his phone every evening.

collocation: battery usage

同義詞
  • use

    more general; covers any act of employing something, while 'usage' often implies amount or pattern

  • consumption

    more specific; focuses on the amount used up rather than the manner of using

文法句型

usage + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Commonly appears with nouns describing resources (energy, water, data, electricity) to specify what is being consumed or employed. Do not confuse with 'use' as a noun — 'use' is the general act; 'usage' often implies the quantity or pattern.

常見錯誤

❌The usage of the new software was easy.
✅The use of the new software was easy.
💡'usage' implies quantity or pattern over time; for a single act or general experience of using software, 'use' is more natural.

3. The unjust or harsh treatment of a person, especially by someone who holds power

3.名詞B2
釋義

The unjust or harsh treatment of a person, especially by someone who holds power or authority over them.

例句

The workers complained about the manager's harsh usage of his authority over them.

collocation: harsh usage

Sora described the unfair usage he experienced from the team coordinator.

collocation: unfair usage

同義詞
  • mistreatment

    more direct and common in modern English; explicitly negative

  • exploitation

    stronger; implies taking unfair advantage for one's own benefit

文法句型

usage + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

This sense is less common than senses 1 and 2, and is considered somewhat formal or dated in modern English. It is most often found in formal complaints, legal contexts, or historical writing. The more typical modern word for this meaning is 'mistreatment.'

常見錯誤

❌The students complained about the strict teacher's usage.
✅The students complained about the strict teacher's mistreatment of them.
💡'usage' in this sense is formal and somewhat old-fashioned; in everyday speech, 'mistreatment' or 'unfair treatment' sounds more natural.