# used

/ˈjuzd/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/used
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. past habit

verb · CEFR B1

you use this to talk about something that happened often in the past but does not happen now.

For teachers: a semi-modal construction used to indicate a past habit, state, or repeated action that is no longer true.

- I used to live in London, but I moved to the countryside last year.
- The industrial district used to be the heart of the city's economy before the factories were converted into luxury lofts.

Usage: Always followed by 'to' and the base form of a verb.

### 3. second-hand

adjective · CEFR A2

not new; owned by someone else before you.

For teachers: previously owned or utilized by another party; not in original or mint condition.

- He bought a used car because it was much cheaper than a new one.
- The bookstore specializes in rare used volumes that are no longer in print, attracting collectors from across the country.

### 4. familiar with

adjective · CEFR B1

to be familiar with something because you have experienced it many times.

For teachers: accustomed to or familiar with something through regular experience or exposure.

- It took a few weeks, but I am finally used to the cold weather here.
- Having worked in the emergency room for a decade, the head nurse was used to making critical decisions under extreme pressure.

Usage: Followed by 'to' and a noun or gerund.

## Examples

- I used to live in a small apartment.
- She used to play the piano every day after school, but she stopped when she started university.
- The building that now serves as a modern art gallery used to be a busy factory where hundreds of local residents found employment during the industrial boom.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.