Use vs. Wear — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 8, 2024
Use refers to the act of employing something for a purpose, while wear implies utilizing something to the point of deterioration over time.
Difference Between Use and Wear
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Use" encompasses a broad range of actions where items, tools, or resources are employed to achieve a particular outcome or function. This can include anything from using a pen to write to using a car to travel. On the other hand, "wear" specifically denotes the process of using something to the extent that it shows signs of aging, damage, or deterioration due to repeated use. Wear often implies a physical change in the condition of an item over time.
While use can apply to a wide variety of actions and objects without necessarily causing any physical changes to them, wear is a consequence of use that results in physical alterations. For example, reading a book is a use of the book, but the spine creasing and pages yellowing over time as a result of this use are signs of wear.
The concept of use is neutral regarding the condition of the object; it does not inherently imply degradation. Conversely, wear specifically refers to the negative impact of use on the physical state of an item, such as clothes becoming faded or a smartphone screen acquiring scratches.
Different items exhibit wear in unique ways depending on their material and the nature of their use. For instance, mechanical devices may wear out through the loss of efficiency or breakdown of parts, while clothing may show wear through fading colors, thinning fabric, or developing holes.
Understanding the distinction between use and wear can influence purchasing decisions, maintenance, and sustainability practices. Recognizing that certain materials and products are more prone to wear can guide choices towards more durable options, reducing waste and extending the lifecycle of goods.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Employing something for a purpose.
Utilizing something to the point of deterioration over time.
Outcome
Achievement of a particular function.
Physical deterioration.
Implication
Neutral regarding condition change.
Implies negative impact on condition.
Example Objects
Tools, vehicles, appliances.
Clothes, shoes, mechanical parts.
Maintenance Impact
Varied; may or may not require maintenance.
Often requires repair or replacement.
Compare with Definitions
Use
Operating devices or software.
They used the app to track their fitness progress.
Wear
Materials becoming weaker or breaking down.
The bridge's steel structure shows signs of wear from decades of traffic.
Use
Availing services for benefits.
They used a delivery service to order groceries.
Wear
Surfaces becoming scratched or dented.
The tabletop shows wear from daily use.
Use
Applying an object for its intended or alternative functions.
She used a hammer to nail the picture frame to the wall.
Wear
Clothes fading or fraying from regular use.
The jeans showed wear at the knees after frequent use.
Use
Utilizing abilities or knowledge.
He used his negotiation skills to close the deal.
Wear
Shoes wearing out on the sole or heel.
My running shoes show significant wear after a year.
Use
Consuming resources for a specific need.
The recipe used two cups of sugar.
Wear
Parts of machinery becoming less efficient over time.
The gears wear down after years of operation.
Use
Take, hold, or deploy (something) as a means of accomplishing or achieving something; employ
She used her key to open the front door
The poem uses simple language
Wear
Wear is the damaging, gradual removal or deformation of material at solid surfaces. Causes of wear can be mechanical (e.g., erosion) or chemical (e.g., corrosion).
Use
Take or consume (an amount) from a limited supply
We have used all the available funds
Wear
To carry or have on one's person as covering, adornment, or protection
Wearing a jacket.
Must wear a seat belt.
Use
Describing an action or situation that was done repeatedly or existed for a period in the past
This road used to be a dirt track
I used to give him lifts home
Wear
To carry or have habitually on one's person, especially as an aid
Wears glasses.
Use
Be or become familiar with (someone or something) through experience
She was used to getting what she wanted
He's weird, but you just have to get used to him
Wear
To display in one's appearance
Always wears a smile.
Use
One would like or benefit from
I could use another cup of coffee
Wear
To bear, carry, or maintain in a particular manner
Wears her hair long.
Use
The action of using something or the state of being used for a purpose
Hyper-modern trains are now in use
The software is ideal for use in schools
Theatre owners were charging too much for the use of their venues
Wear
To fly or display (colors). Used of a ship, jockey, or knight.
Use
The value or advantage of something
It was no use trying to persuade her
What's the use of crying?
Wear
To damage, diminish, erode, or consume by long or hard use, attrition, or exposure. Often used with away, down, or off
Rocks worn away by the sea.
Shoes worn down at the heels.
Use
The habitual consumption of a drug
Burgling and dealing financed their heroin use
Wear
To produce by constant use, attrition, or exposure
Eventually wore hollows in the stone steps.
Use
The characteristic ritual and liturgy of a Christian Church or diocese.
Wear
To bring to a specified condition by long use or attrition
Wore the clothes to rags.
Pebbles worn smooth.
Use
To put into service or employ for a purpose
I used a whisk to beat the eggs. The song uses only three chords.
Wear
To fatigue, weary, or exhaust
Your incessant criticism has worn my patience.
Use
To avail oneself of; practice
Use caution.
Wear
(Nautical) To make (a sailing ship) come about with the wind aft.
Use
To conduct oneself toward; treat or handle
"the peace offering of a man who once used you unkindly" (Laurence Sterne).
Wear
To last under continual or hard use
A fabric that will wear.
Use
To seek or achieve an end by means of; exploit
Used their highly placed friends to gain access to the president.
Felt he was being used by seekers of favor.
Wear
To last through the passage of time
A friendship that wears well.
Use
To take or consume for a purpose
She used her savings to buy a computer.
Wear
To break down or diminish through use or attrition
The rear tires began to wear.
Use
To partake of, especially as a habit
She rarely uses alcohol.
Wear
To pass gradually or tediously
The hours wore on.
Use
(ys, yst) Used in the past tense followed by to in order to indicate a former state, habitual practice, or custom
Mail service used to be faster.
Wear
(Nautical) To come about with stern to windward.
Use
(Slang) To take an illegal or narcotic drug, especially as a habit.
Wear
The act of wearing or the state of being worn; use
This shirt is ideal for wear in sultry climates.
Use
The act of using something; the application or employment of something for a purpose
With the use of a calculator.
Skilled in the use of the bow and arrow.
Wear
Clothing, especially of a particular kind or for a particular use. Often used in combination
Rainwear.
Footwear.
Use
The condition or fact of being used
A chair in regular use.
Wear
Damage resulting from use or age
The rug shows plenty of wear.
Use
The manner of using; usage
Learned the proper use of power tools.
Wear
The ability to withstand impairment from use or attrition
The engine has plenty of wear left.
Use
The permission, privilege, or benefit of using something
Gave us the use of their summerhouse.
Wear
To carry or have equipped on or about one's body, as an item of clothing, equipment, decoration, etc.
He's wearing some nice pants today.
She wore her medals with pride.
Please wear your seatbelt.
Can you wear makeup and sunscreen at {{the same time?
}} He was wearing his lunch after tripping and falling into the buffet.
Use
The power or ability to use something
Lost the use of one arm.
Wear
To have or carry on one's person habitually, consistently; or, to maintain in a particular fashion or manner.
He wears eyeglasses.
She wears her hair in braids.
Use
The need or occasion to use or employ something
I have no use for these old clothes.
Wear
To bear or display in one's aspect or appearance.
She wore a smile all day.
He walked out of the courtroom wearing an air of satisfaction.
Use
The quality of being suitable or adaptable to an end; usefulness
I tried to be of use in the kitchen.
Wear
To overcome one's reluctance and endure a (previously specified) situation.
I know you don't like working with him, but you'll just have to wear it.
Use
A purpose for which something is used
A tool with several uses.
A pretty bowl, but of what use is it?.
Wear
To eat away at, erode, diminish, or consume gradually; to cause a gradual deterioration in; to produce (some change) through attrition, exposure, or constant use.
You're going to wear a hole in the bottom of those shoes.
The water has slowly worn a channel into these rocks.
Long illness had worn the bloom from her cheeks.
Exile had worn the man to a shadow.
Use
Gain or advantage; good
There's no use in discussing it. What's the use?.
Wear
To undergo gradual deterioration; become impaired; be reduced or consumed gradually due to any continued process, activity, or use.
The tiles were wearing thin due to years of children's feet.
Use
Accustomed or usual procedure or practice
"We are but creatures of use and custom" (Mark Twain).
Wear
To exhaust, fatigue, expend, or weary.
His neverending criticism has finally worn my patience.
Toil and care soon wear the spirit.
Our physical advantage allowed us to wear the other team out and win.
Use
A particular custom or practice
Uses introduced by recent immigrants.
Wear
(intransitive) To last or remain durable under hard use or over time; to retain usefulness, value, or desirable qualities under any continued strain or long period of time; sometimes said of a person, regarding the quality of being easy or difficult to tolerate.
Don't worry, this fabric will wear. These pants will last you for years.
This color wears so well. I must have washed this sweater a thousand times.
I have to say, our friendship has worn pretty well.
It's hard to get to know him, but he wears well.
Use
Enjoyment of property, as by occupying or employing it.
Wear
(in the phrase "wearing on (someone)") To cause annoyance, irritation, fatigue, or weariness near the point of an exhaustion of patience.
Her high pitched voice is really wearing on me lately.
Use
The benefit or profit of lands and tenements of which the legal title is vested in another.
Wear
To pass slowly, gradually or tediously.
Wear on, wear away.
As the years wore on, we seemed to have less and less in common.
Use
The arrangement establishing the equitable right to such benefits and profits.
Wear
(nautical) To bring (a sailing vessel) onto the other tack by bringing the wind around the stern (as opposed to tacking when the wind is brought around the bow); to come round on another tack by turning away from the wind. Also written "ware". Past: weared, or wore/worn.
Use
A liturgical form practiced in a particular church, ecclesiastical district, or community.
Wear
To guard; watch; keep watch, especially from entry or invasion.
Use
The act of using.
The use of torture has been condemned by the United Nations.
Wear
To defend; protect.
Use
(uncountable) The act of consuming alcohol or narcotics.
Wear
To ward off; prevent from approaching or entering; drive off; repel.
To wear the wolf from the sheep
Use
Usefulness, benefit.
What's the use of a law that nobody follows?
Wear
To conduct or guide with care or caution, as into a fold or place of safety.
Use
A function; a purpose for which something may be employed.
This tool has many uses.
Wear
(uncountable) (in combination) clothing
Footwear; outdoor wear; maternity wear
Use
Occasion or need to employ; necessity.
I have no further use for these textbooks.
Wear
(uncountable) damage to the appearance and/or strength of an item caused by use over time
Use
Interest for lent money; premium paid for the use of something; usury.
Wear
(uncountable) fashion
Use
(archaic) Continued or repeated practice; usage; habit.
Wear
Same as Weir.
Use
(obsolete) Common occurrence; ordinary experience.
Wear
The act of wearing, or the state of being worn; consumption by use; diminution by friction; as, the wear of a garment.
Use
(Christianity) The special form of ritual adopted for use in any diocese.
The Sarum, or Canterbury, use; the Hereford use; the York use; the Roman use; etc.
Wear
The thing worn; style of dress; the fashion.
Motley 's the only wear.
Use
(forging) A slab of iron welded to the side of a forging, such as a shaft, near the end, and afterward drawn down, by hammering, so as to lengthen the forging.
Wear
The result of wearing or use; consumption, diminution, or impairment due to use, friction, or the like; as, the wear of this coat has been good.
Use
To utilize or employ.
Wear
To cause to go about, as a vessel, by putting the helm up, instead of alee as in tacking, so that the vessel's bow is turned away from, and her stern is presented to, the wind, and, as she turns still farther, her sails fill on the other side; to veer.
Use
(transitive) To employ; to apply; to utilize.
Use this knife to slice the bread.
We can use this mathematical formula to solve the problem.
Wear
To have or exhibit an appearance of, as an aspect or manner; to bear; as, she wears a smile on her countenance.
His innocent gestures wearA meaning half divine.
Use
To expend; to consume by employing.
I used the money they allotted me.
We should use up most of the fuel.
She used all the time allotted to complete the test.
Wear
To use up by carrying or having upon one's self; hence, to consume by use; to waste; to use up; as, to wear clothes rapidly.
Use
(transitive) To exploit.
You never cared about me; you just used me!
Wear
To impair, waste, or diminish, by continual attrition, scraping, percussion, on the like; to consume gradually; to cause to lower or disappear; to spend.
That wicked wight his days doth wear.
The waters wear the stones.
Use
(transitive) To consume (alcohol, drugs, etc), especially regularly.
He uses cocaine. I have never used drugs.
Wear
To cause or make by friction or wasting; as, to wear a channel; to wear a hole.
Use
(intransitive) To consume a previously specified substance, especially a drug to which one is addicted.
Richard began experimenting with cocaine last year; now he uses almost every day.
Wear
To form or shape by, or as by, attrition.
Trials wear us into a liking of what, possibly, in the first essay, displeased us.
Use
To benefit from; to be able to employ or stand.
I could use a drink. My car could use a new coat of paint.
Wear
To endure or suffer use; to last under employment; to bear the consequences of use, as waste, consumption, or attrition; as, a coat wears well or ill; - hence, sometimes applied to character, qualifications, etc.; as, a man wears well as an acquaintance.
Use
To accustom; to habituate. Now common only in participial form. Uses the same pronunciation as the noun; see usage notes.
Wear
To be wasted, consumed, or diminished, by being used; to suffer injury, loss, or extinction by use or time; to decay, or be spent, gradually.
Away, I say; time wears.
Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou and this people that is with thee.
His stock of money began to wear very low.
The family . . . wore out in the earlier part of the century.
Use
To become accustomed, to accustom oneself.
Wear
Impairment resulting from long use;
The tires showed uneven wear
Use
To suggest, request, demand or expect that other people use a specific set of gender pronouns when referring to the subject.
I use they/them pronouns.
Wear
A covering designed to be worn on a person's body
Use
To habitually do; to be wont to do. (Now chiefly in past-tense forms; see used to.)
I used to get things done.
Wear
The act of having on your person as a covering or adornment;
She bought it for everyday wear
Use
(dated) To behave toward; to act with regard to; to treat.
To use an animal cruelly
Wear
Be dressed in;
She was wearing yellow that day
Use
To behave, act, comport oneself.
Wear
Have on one's person;
He wore a red ribbon
Bear a scar
Use
The act of employing anything, or of applying it to one's service; the state of being so employed or applied; application; employment; conversion to some purpose; as, the use of a pen in writing; his machines are in general use.
Books can never teach the use of books.
This Davy serves you for good uses.
When he framedAll things to man's delightful use.
Wear
Have in one's aspect; wear an expression of one's attitude or personality;
He always wears a smile
Use
Occasion or need to employ; necessity; as, to have no further use for a book.
Wear
Deteriorate through use or stress;
The constant friction wore out the cloth
Use
Yielding of service; advantage derived; capability of being used; usefulness; utility.
God made two great lights, great for their useTo man.
'T is use alone that sanctifies expense.
Wear
Have or show an appearance of;
Wear one's hair in a certain way
Use
Continued or repeated practice; customary employment; usage; custom; manner; habit.
Let later age that noble use envy.
How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable,Seem to me all the uses of this world!
Wear
Last and be usable;
This dress wore well for almost ten years
Use
Common occurrence; ordinary experience.
O Cæsar! these things are beyond all use.
Wear
Go to pieces;
The lawn mower finally broke
The gears wore out
The old chair finally fell apart completely
Use
The special form of ritual adopted for use in any diocese; as, the Sarum, or Canterbury, use; the Hereford use; the York use; the Roman use; etc.
From henceforth all the whole realm shall have but one use.
Wear
Exhaust or tire through overuse or great strain or stress;
We wore ourselves out on this hike
Use
The premium paid for the possession and employment of borrowed money; interest; usury.
Thou art more obliged to pay duty and tribute, use and principal, to him.
Wear
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
Use
The benefit or profit of lands and tenements. Use imports a trust and confidence reposed in a man for the holding of lands. He to whose use or benefit the trust is intended shall enjoy the profits. An estate is granted and limited to A for the use of B.
Use
A stab of iron welded to the side of a forging, as a shaft, near the end, and afterward drawn down, by hammering, so as to lengthen the forging.
Use
To make use of; to convert to one's service; to avail one's self of; to employ; to put a purpose; as, to use a plow; to use a chair; to use time; to use flour for food; to use water for irrigation.
Launcelot Gobbo, use your legs.
Some other means I have which may be used.
Use
To behave toward; to act with regard to; to treat; as, to use a beast cruelly.
How wouldst thou use me now?
Cato has used me ill.
Use
To practice customarily; to make a practice of; as, to use diligence in business.
Use hospitality one to another.
Use
To accustom; to habituate; to render familiar by practice; to inure; - employed chiefly in the passive participle; as, men used to cold and hunger; soldiers used to hardships and danger.
I am so used in the fire to blow.
Thou with thy compeers,Used to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wheels.
I would, my son, that thou wouldst use the powerWhich thy discretion gives thee, to controlAnd manage all.
To study nature will thy time employ:Knowledge and innocence are perfect joy.
Use
To be wont or accustomed; to be in the habit or practice; as, he used to ride daily; - now disused in the present tense, perhaps because of the similarity in sound, between "use to," and "used to."
They use to place him that shall be their captain on a stone.
Fears use to be represented in an imaginary.
Thus we use to say, it is the room that smokes, when indeed it is the fire in the room.
Now Moses used to take the tent and to pitch it without the camp.
Use
To be accustomed to go; to frequent; to inhabit; to dwell; - sometimes followed by of.
He useth every day to a merchant's house.
Ye valleys low, where the mild whispers useOf shades, and wanton winds, and gushing brooks.
Use
The act of using;
He warned against the use of narcotic drugs
Skilled in the utilization of computers
Use
A particular service;
He put his knowledge to good use
Patrons have their uses
Use
What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
Use
(economics) the utilization of economic goods to satisfy needs or in manufacturing;
The consumption of energy has increased steadily
Use
A pattern of behavior acquired through frequent repetition;
She had a habit twirling the ends of her hair
Long use had hardened him to it
Use
(law) the exercise of the legal right to enjoy the benefits of owning property;
We were given the use of his boat
Use
Exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage;
His manipulation of his friends was scandalous
Use
Put into service; make work or employ (something) for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose;
Use your head!
We only use Spanish at home
I can't make use of this tool
Apply a magnetic field here
This thinking was applied to many projects
How do you utilize this tool?
I apply this rule to get good results
Use the plastic bags to store the food
He doesn't know how to use a computer
Use
Take or consume (regularly or habitually);
She uses drugs rarely
Use
Seek or achieve an end by using to one's advantage;
She uses her influential friends to get jobs
The president's wife used her good connections
Use
Use up, consume fully;
The legislature expended its time on school questions
Use
Avail oneself to;
Apply a principle
Practice a religion
Use care when going down the stairs
Use your common sense
Practice non-violent resistance
Use
Habitually do something (use only in the past tense);
She used to call her mother every week but now she calls only occasionally
I used to get sick when I ate in that dining hall
They used to vacation in the Bahamas
Common Curiosities
How can I reduce wear on my belongings?
Proper maintenance and careful use can slow down the wear process.
Does all wear indicate misuse?
No, wear can occur even with proper and intended use, as it's a natural result of aging and use over time.
What does it mean to use something?
Using something means employing it for a specific function or purpose.
What is wear and tear?
Wear and tear is the gradual deterioration of an item due to ordinary use over time.
Can using something not cause wear?
Yes, some uses do not cause physical wear, such as digital software use.
How do manufacturers address wear?
Manufacturers often design products with wear in mind, using durable materials and offering repair services.
Is wear always visible?
Wear can be both visible, like fading colors, or internal, like reduced efficiency of mechanical parts.
Are there ways to prevent wear?
While wear can't be completely prevented, regular maintenance and using items as intended can minimize it.
Do all items wear at the same rate?
No, the rate of wear varies significantly based on materials, usage patterns, and environmental conditions.
Can the concept of wear apply to non-physical items?
Wear primarily describes physical deterioration, but concepts like "wear out one's welcome" metaphorically apply to non-physical contexts.
Can wear be repaired?
In many cases, wear can be repaired, though it may depend on the extent of damage and the type of item.
Does wear affect an item's value?
Yes, wear usually decreases an item's value, especially for goods where condition is a key aspect of worth.
How does wear impact sustainability?
Wear can lead to increased waste and consumption; choosing durable goods and repairing worn items can support sustainability efforts.
What's the difference between using an item and wearing it out?
Using an item refers to its employment for a purpose, while wearing it out implies extensive use leading to its deterioration.
Is planned obsolescence related to wear?
Planned obsolescence involves designing products with a limited lifespan, which can be related to accelerated wear mechanisms.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Trough vs. Manger
Next Comparison
Beat vs. WinAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
