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Glite Dictionary
to use one's words

to use one's words

4.1
To say how you feel or what you need instead of using actions
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : usar las palabras
  • Use your words.

Examples

Synonyms

to speak
vsto use one's words
∞ 1.0

To talk with someone to share thoughts or feelings

specifically means saying feelings or needs instead of acting or gesturing
to speak out
vsto use one's words
220 3.4

To say your opinion or feelings openly even when it is difficult

is about saying feelings in words rather than acting, not about bravery
to voice
vsto use one's words
152 3.2

To say something aloud, especially an opinion or feeling

is used for any spoken expression, not only public statements
to speak one's mind
vsto use one's words
  • Informal
21 3.5

Say what you think openly

expresses feelings or needs verbally without the focus on bluntness
to give voice
vsto use one's words
15 4.3

To put thoughts or feelings into words

emphasizes speaking rather than showing feelings through actions or silence
to use your words
vsto use one's words
  • Informal
9 5.3

Tell someone what you feel or need instead of using actions

is the general neutral form used for talking about the idea
to verbalize
vsto use one's words
  • US
9 4.8

To put thoughts or feelings into words

is about using spoken words instead of actions or gestures
to put oneself across
vsto use one's words
6.7

Express your ideas and personality clearly so others understand you

is about using words to show feelings or needs rather than nonverbal signals

Antonyms

to be quiet
231 1.0

To stop making noise or talking

to suppress
88 5.8

To hold back feelings or reactions

How Expressive

to articulate
85 4.4
to use one's words
  • Informal
4.1
signal
670 2.1
gesture
140 2.3
to keep quiet
90 2.5

Surface Forms

use one's words infinitive
used one's words past
used one's words past participle
using one's words present participle
uses one's words third person singular

Morphology

use + one + words

The meaning 'to express oneself verbally' follows directly from composing 'use' (apply) with 'words' (utterances), so a learner who knows the constituents can infer 'use one's words' means 'speak' or 'say what you mean'. The possessive element and the child-directed usage do not obscure the literal composition, and similar commands exist in many languages, making this phrase readily understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Use one's words comes from parents and teachers telling children to use their words, to say what they feel instead of crying, hitting, or pointing. So, it now means 'to say your feelings or needs with words instead of showing them with actions'.