use

Where does the word "use" come from? It comes from Latin usus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Use’s story begins in Latin: usus meant “use.” From 'uti', to use. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as user. Also meant to be accustomed to. It reached English by 1200s as use. 'used to' for past habit dates from the 1300s. Today, use means to employ for a purpose.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient usus "use", from 'uti', to use.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval user "to use", also meant to be accustomed to.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s use "to employ", 'used to' for past habit dates from the 1300s.