Usado

Usado is a Portuguese word that functions as both the past participle of the verb usar (to use) and as an adjective. It describes something that has been used or that is second-hand, such as a used car (carro usado) or used clothing (roupas usadas). It can also convey that a thing is widely employed or commonly utilized, as in “uma metodologia amplamente usada.”

Grammar and forms: usado is masculine singular; usada is feminine singular. Plurals are usados (masc) and usadas (fem). In verbal use, phrases like “o equipamento foi usado” indicate that the item has been used, while “é muito usado” means it is widely used.

Usage notes:

- Usado generally contrasts with novo (new) and is common in everyday speech, advertising, and classifieds.

- It is often preferred over mais formal terms such as utilizado in ordinary contexts, though utilized is common in technical or formal writing.

- Distinguish from gastado, which emphasizes wear or deterioration; um carro gastado sugere mais desgaste do que apenas ter sido usado.

Related terms: utilizado (more formal or technical), reusado (less common;, less standard), reutilizado (reused, often with recycling connotation), recondicionado (refurbished).

In other languages, a cognate exists in Spanish (usado) with similar meaning, and in English it translates as “used” or “second-hand.” Usado is a versatile term in Portuguese, applicable to objects, methods, and general usage.