used
Definitions
Having already been used; not new, second-hand
用过的，二手的
(used to) accustomed to something; familiar with it through experience
（used to）习惯于……的
Root Breakdown
Native Englishuse + -d (past participle) = 'having been used.' From the plain 'used car' sense, English developed 'used to': if you have been put through something repeatedly, you are 'used to' it — habituated. The wear of repeated use becomes the feeling of familiarity.
Root us still carries 68 more wordsWhy It Means This
Two senses sit on one form. 'Used' = previously used (a used phone). But 'be/get used to + noun/-ing' means 'be accustomed to' — and is completely different from 'used to + verb,' which describes a past habit ('I used to smoke'). The shared thread is repeated use wearing a thing, or a person, into familiarity.
Usage Guide
- used + noun: second-hand — 'a used car'
- be/get used to + noun/-ing: be accustomed — 'I'm used to working late.' (followed by -ing, not base verb)
- used to + base verb: a past habit, no longer true — 'I used to live here.'
The last two look alike but differ sharply: 'used to doing' (habit you have) vs 'used to do' (habit you had).
Example Sentences
- 1.
They bought a used car to save money.
- 2.
It took a while, but I'm used to the noise now.
- 3.
She got used to waking up early after a few weeks.