ENGLISH
REFERENCE

utilize

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈjutəˌɫaɪz// uti·lize Academic

v. to use something in an effective way to get a job done. It is a more formal word than 'use' and often appears in business or school reports.

v. to make practical or effective use of a resource, tool, or strategy. Often used in formal or technical contexts to imply that the object is being used to its full potential.


SIMPLE

The team will utilize new software to track their progress.

CONTEXTUAL

The factory plans to utilize solar panels to reduce its reliance on the local power grid.

COMPLEX

By choosing to utilize existing infrastructure rather than building from scratch, the city saved millions in taxpayer funds while accelerating the timeline for the new transit project.

Synonyms
Origin

From French utiliser, from Italian utilizzare, from utile (“useful”), from Latin ūtilis, from ūtī (“use”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is frequently criticized in style guides as a needlessly complex substitute for 'use' unless a specific sense of 'making effective use of' is intended.

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