Master confusing words with ease
Unused vs. Disused
Unused
/ˌʌnˈjuːzd/Examples:
The unused tickets were left on the counter.Despite the wealth of the unused land, it remained barren.He returned the library books completely unused.
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Antonyms:
Disused
/dɪsˈjuːzd/Examples:
The barn was full of disused farming equipment.We explored the disused railway track.The old factory was now disused and abandoned.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Unused refers to something that has never been used, while disused describes something that was once used but is no longer in use.
- A new kitchen appliance still in the box is unused, whereas an old railway track that trains no longer travel on is disused.
- Unused can imply potential use in the future, but disused carries a sense of abandonment or neglect.
- If an object is unused, it’s often because there hasn’t been a reason or opportunity to use it yet.
- Disused often implies that the item no longer serves its original purpose or has been replaced with something more modern or effective.
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