used to

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /juːs(t).tu/ or /juːs(t).tə/

• Audio (US)

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Expression

Expression used to

1. If something used to happen, it happened often in the past, but it does not happen now.

   I remember when we used to stop by the beach every Sunday.

   She started the exercise program, which we didn't use to have.

   We don't go there anymore, but we used to.

2. If something used to be true, it was true for a long time in the past, but it is not true now.

   They're bigger than they used to be.

   How bad did it used to be?

Expression

Expression used to

1. If someone is used to something, they know it and do not find it surprising or difficult anymore.
   • Synonym: accustomed

   It's hard at first, but after a while you get used to it.

   He isn't used to being around children.

   We get so used to seeing this that we don't even notice anymore.

Related words

• use
• to