用以 (yòng yǐ) — to use in order to; so as to (formal/written)

Definition

用以 (yòng yǐ) is a formal/written 'in order to, so as to' — marks purpose, almost always before a verb phrase. Colloquial speech uses 为了 or 来 instead.

verb

to use in order toso as to (formal/written)

，用以。
Tā měi tiān gōng zuò dào hěn wǎn, yòng yǐ yǎng jiā hú kǒu.
He works until very late every day in order to support his family.
用以。
Zhèng fǔ chū tái xīn zhèng cè yòng yǐ gǎi shàn mín shēng.
The government introduced new policies to improve people's livelihoods.
用以。
Gōng sī cǎi yòng xiān jìn jì shù yòng yǐ tí gāo jìng zhēng lì.
The company adopts advanced technology to enhance its competitiveness.

Derived word

构词法gòucífǎ

后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

以yǐin order to

用 gives the idea of using, and 以 contributes the sense of purpose, yielding 'use in order to'.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

用 was formed by adding a handle to an earlier form.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The shape came from a drawing of a person carrying something; in 以, part of that person is still visible on the right.

Appears in