Other forms: usages
Usage is how something is used, especially language. Common usage, a usage guide, data usage.
In language it means what people actually do rather than what a rule says they should, and the argument between usage and prescription is the whole history of English style guides. Usage is also consumption — data usage, water usage. Note the difference from use as a noun, which is narrower: usage implies a pattern over time.
1nounusageHow something is used, especially language.
“This book explains the correct usage of common English words and phrases.”
2nounamountThe amount consumed.
“Our electricity usage doubled when we bought the new heater.”
usage is a pattern of use.
Old French usage comes from Latin usus, from uti, to use. Utility, utensil and usual come from the same using.
Anglo-Norman
usage
Middle English
usage
English, today
usage
From Middle English usage, from Anglo-Norman usage. From Middle English usage, from Anglo-Norman - and Old French usage. by surface analysis, use + -age.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA