In these use vs. utilize examples, “utilize” doesn’t work because the items are being used for their standard purpose. I Have a friend who states that the word "utilize" is completely unnecessary, as there is no situation that the word utilize cannot be replaced with "use". What does utilize mean? share. Utilize is increasingly over-used as a word for use.Maybe it started out this way because utilize is a very specific word, sharing the same root as utility, whereas use has many meanings. button. . I am writing in UK English and would like to confirm that we use utilise instead of utilize. 2 comments. "Use this knife to slice the bread." MSN Encarta Dictionary defines to utilize as "to make use of something, or find a practical or effective use for something." However many English language experts are of the idea that overusing utilize makes your writing pretentious and silly. For example, you might mortgage your house to buy a boat. We must Utilize definition, to put to use; turn to profitable account: to utilize a stream to power a mill. As a noun use is the act of using. A former Navy man has a pet peeve about using the word utilize instead of use. Utilize vs. Use. Some dictionaries gloss utilize as using something for a purpose that it is not normally employed for. Use versus utilize. If the screwdriver were there, you'd use it, not utilize a stupid dime for the purpose. Cheney, Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati (1983). Thank you very much for here detail explanation. use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end. Sound engineers utilize a range of techniques to enhance the quality of the recordings. While the definition is similar, “use” is a part of the definition of “utilize.” The word “utilize” is not just a form of the word “use.” To utilize something means: To make use of something in a new, practical, or profitable way. I think much of the ‘mis-‘ and ‘overuse’ of certain words and patterns is due to the computer. Utilize doesn't get a lot of love, which is hardly surprising. Today guest-writer Bonnie Trenga is helping us talk about two sets of words that listeners get confused: “pleaded guilty” or “pled guilty,” and “ Are there any situations where "utilize" is more useful than "use"? The word “use” can be either a noun or a verb, but “utilize” is always a verb. We use utilize when we are describing engaging something in order to accomplish a task for which it was not originally intended. Copyright © 2021 Elite Editing. Utilize vs use? 2. Lol so glad you didn’t write that you utilized this to make your case! 1. report. Add Comment. Both words come from the Latin root util–, but use is the much older word in English. Regards, Duncan . Utilize has a different meaning. "She used all the time allotted to complete the test." In this case you have leveraged the value of your house to buy the boat. When employing a creative or unintended application, like using a frying pan as a weapon, utilize is the right word. Almost every time I see, or worse, hear the word “utilize” it makes me think that the person using it is trying to sound smarter than they appear to be. Use, employ, utilize, apply, avail can all mean to deal with something so as to give it a practical value or to make it serviceable to oneself or others. For instance, “I use my frying pan to cook with, but I have utilized it as a weapon.” The intended use of a frying pan is for cooking, so the proper word here is use. The application of the item goes beyond its intended purpose. “Use” also works because the items are being brought into action. The “use for an unintended purpose” distinction of “utilize” comes (IMHO) from an incorrect reading of the dictionary definition “to make useful.” “Use” means to employ something (a tool or technique) in any old way. Utilize Vs Use Discussion in 'Himalayan Imports' started by lcs37, Feb 16, 2005. "We can use this mathematical formula to solve the problem." Moreover, it is a joy to read. use vs. utilize ; Quellen: Könnte mir jemand den prinzipiellen Unterschied zwischen "use" und "utilize" erklären? Utilize vs Use - Tippen sie 2 Stichwörter une tippen sie auf die Taste Fight. Ah, English! Use “utilize” when you want to indicate to put to profitable use; use “use” otherwise. I cannot seem to find a answer for this online. Employ is more dynamic. It can mean to hire or have a contract for a person(s) work or services. Utilize vs. Use. Commas in Dates: How Do You Write a Date. "I used the money they allotted me." Use (verb) To employ; to apply; to utilize. "We should use up most of the fuel." What is wrong with the word “utilize”? Commonly Confused Word Pairs: Use vs. utilize (American, Canadian, Oxford British spelling); Etymology []. use, verb 1. Synonym for use @nyaonyao Utilise is a stiff word for "use". | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples In daily life, if you are not sure, it is better make use of ‘USE’ rather than ‘UTILIZE’ and no one finds fault with your English. If you are already comfortable with your English, but you would like to refine it, then I suggest that you read "Getting the Words Right", by T.A.R. 0. How to use utilize in a sentence. When you utilize something, you make do with something not normally used for the purpose, e.g., you utilize a dime when the bloody screwdriver is nowhere to be found. Utilize can be used when indicating that the application is beyond its original intended use. There are very few words I despise. I can't disagree with him without stretching an example. 2. In this case you have leveraged the value of your house to buy the boat. Almost every time I see, or worse, hear the word “utilize” it makes me think that the person using it is trying to sound smarter than they appear to be. Here are the most common ones: Option 1 Copy and paste your entire article, book or extracts of your composing for checking, examining and for a spell check. Der Gewinner ist der die beste Sicht zu Google hat. From French utiliser, from Italian utilizzare, from utile (“ useful ”), from Latin ūtilis, from ūtī (“ use ”).Attested c. 1810. Using The Tool Grammar Use Vs Utilize. Use vs Employ vs Utilize vs Apply vs Avail. It treats editing, and even after all my experience I learned a lot. It, therefore, has a much broader definition. Keep in mind that “utilize” is reserved for unconventional or creative situations rather than common situations. It can mean to actively engage an item. Hi. Learn more. Share this: Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related. Use is a synonym of utilize. Though derived from the same Latin root, its origin is much closer to that of “utility” and has a narrower definition. To put into service or apply for a purpose; employ. We often use utilize in official documents like business reports, cover letters, etc. I never once used the word “utilize,” until now of course. utilize or use The best use for “utilize” is to mean “make use of”: “Ryan utilized his laptop in the library mainly as a pillow to rest his head on.” In most contexts, “use” is simpler and clearer. Be sure to use utilize when talking about creative applications, and stick to use otherwise. But utilize is defined as "to make or render useful; to convert to use, turn to account." I really get annoyed when people use the word "utilize" when they really just mean "use." As verbs the difference between utilise and utilize is that utilise is to make useful, to find a practical use for while utilize is (american spelling). All Rights Reserved, Use vs. 1,037. Leverage is commonly use to buy a company, borrowing against the value of the company you will buy (! “Use” vs. “Utilize” If you’re not an English-grammar-nerd, and aren’t interested in the finer points of word choice, or just don’t have a sense or amusement … Thanks for this item on ‘use’ vs. ‘usage’; it’s among my various gripes on the present use of the language by the general public. 2. They are the same. Use (verb) To expend; to consume by employing. hide. Native speaker here. Utilize is an alternative form of utilise. The reverse isn’t always true. Employ is more dynamic. While the definition is similar, “use” is a part of the definition of “utilize.” The word “utilize” is not just a form of the word “use.” To utilize something means: To make use of something in a new, practical, or … Trying in vain to make themselves look smarter than they are. Judul : ++ utilize vs use Label : B. Lippincott Company, page 75 In 1866 Colonel J. F. Meline noted that the rebozo had almost disappeared in Santa Fe and that hoop skirts, on sale in the stores, were being widely used . As we used to say in Brooklyn, your explanation is clear as mud.”, Your email address will not be published. How to use utilize in a sentence. On the other hand, to utilize is to make use of something for a purpose for which it is unintended for. "Utilize," on the other hand, is to employ objects for unintended purposes. 4. Leverage means to use something to do something else. Example sentences with the word utilize. Utilize: Differences and Practical Tips. Utilize is increasingly over-used as a word for use.Maybe it started out this way because utilize is a very specific word, sharing the same root as utility, whereas use has many meanings.. willing to use any means to achieve her ends employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged. There are numerous ways to utilize the software to evaluate your work, and you do not need any technical know-how to do it. To utilize is to make use of something or to find a practical purpose for something. Verb (head) (use) * 1948 , , North from Mexico / The Spanish-Speaking People of The United States , J. Learn more. Lynnie used email to update her team about all the meeting cancelations due to coronavirus precautions. Are “use” and “utilize” interchangeable? Here we go. She utilized a mason jar for crafting and made it a candle holder. Is it possible for me to utilize your garage as a storage area during the garden party? Utilize, means to use something in a way other than originally intended as in new ways or it can mean to begin reuse of an item left idle or thought obsolete. I was a newspaper reporter and editor for more than 30 years. This thread is archived. December 17, 2020 December 17, 2020 admin Synonyms. This is … Does anyone have a scenario when the word "utilize" is more appropriate than "use"? Is it pretentious to use the term formulate instead of simply form? Examples of how to put “use” in a sentence include: Notice how each item is brought into action or service in a common way. Well, the difference between use and utilize can be found in the purpose for which you are employing something; when you utilize something, you give it a new use that it may not originally have had. Native speaker here. See more. 0. ). Utilise is an alternative form of utilize. To watch…, Using commas in dates in the American format requires that we separate the weekday from the month and the date from the year with…, Sign up to receive exclusive offers and updates, Elite Editing is based in New York, NY, and provides professional proofreading, editing, and writing services for students, writers, businesses, ESL, academics, website creators, and others. Close. But this distinction has disappeared beyond recall; utilize is now ordinarily treated as a LONG VARIANT of use. Authoritative proof: The Oxford English Dictionary defines the verb use as "to make use of (some immaterial thing) as a means or instrument; to employ for a certain end or purpose." And here is the logical proof of the crucial distinction between these two verbs: the logical extreme of "use" is "abuse," referring to the act of using something in ways that is contradictory to its original "mission statement" or designed function. The cook will utilize the leftover ham bone to make soup. So, let’s focus on that. save hide report. Terms and Conditions    |    Privacy Policy. 10 comments. “Use” and “utilize” may sound like two versions of the same word, but they are not, in fact, exactly synonymous. The words come to English through Middle French. Many people may think so, and use the words that way, but that’s not always the right thing to do. Your email address will not be published. Of course, you can always replace utilize with use, but you can’t always replace use with utilize. Examples of how to use “utilize” in a sentence include: Notice how each sentence presents the use of one object or material in an unconventional or creative way. Caramel vs. Carmel—What’s the Difference? Learn how your comment data is processed. I used this to make my case…LOL. If you’re looking for words to replace use in your writing, try looking for other handy synonyms like apply, employ, and manage. utilize vs use : Common Errors in English. Press releases heavily use the word “utilize,” and rarely utilize the word “use” — even though to most people the words are interchangeable. A former Navy man has a pet peeve about using the word utilize instead of use. thinking that it is a more formal and suitable. “Use” can almost always be substituted for “utilize” in a sentence, but “utilize” can’t always be substituted for “use.” When you take “utilize” out of sentence and insert “use” in its place, the sentence still makes sense. This word is . Continue improving your grammar by exploring other misused words and commonly confused words. I Have a friend who states that the word "utilize" is completely unnecessary, as there is no situation that the word utilize cannot be replaced with "use". Therefore, use can always be used, but utilize should only be used when indicating a creative use. The first is its ending: words with the -ize suffix tend to annoy people (we'll pause here for anyone who wants to hate on incentivize for a moment). Use (verb) To expend; to consume by employing. Archived. looking for better ways to employ their skills utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for … While ultimately 'use', 'utilize', and 'utility' all share the same Latin root 'uti', 'use' also has the additional Latin root 'usus'. Is it okay to use the word utilize instead of use? To avail oneself of; practice: use… Synonym for use @nyaonyao Utilise is a stiff word for "use". Some writers throw in the word “utilize” to sound smart, but when doing so in the wrong context, they sound anything but. Nothing is wrong if you’re using it correctly! As verbs the difference between utilize and use is that utilize is (american spelling) while use is (archaic) to accustom; to habituate. I can't disagree with him without stretching an example. While “utilize” sounds more formal and proper, it’s a different word than “use” and has a slightly different meaning. | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Almost every time I see, or worse, hear the word “utilize” it makes me think that the person using it is trying to sound smarter than they appear to be. You used me! Fowler in Modern English Usage (p670) says:. Leverage is commonly use to buy a company, borrowing against the value of the company you will buy (! The winner is the one which gets best visibility on Google. "We can use this mathematical formula to solve the problem." Use vs Utilize - Type 2 keywords and click on the 'Fight !' Paid Subscribers don't see ads! You can utilize Microsoft Word to draw pictures. The definition of use is “to put into action, employ, utilize.” Likewise, the definition of utilize is “to make use of, employ.” But utilize also carries with it an assumed strategy of employment. I think the word "utilize" is just a pretentious way to say "use". Hi. Utilize - Mandi Stanley Utilize and Use. To utilize is to make use of something or to find a practical purpose for something. It's got two important strikes against it. Thanks . (Utilize would be incorrect in this sentence.) It can mean to hire or have a contract for a person(s) work or services. Use (verb) To utilize or employ. ). ++ utilize vs use - Hallo sahabat #The Expert, artikel yang anda baca kali ini berjudul ++ utilize vs use, kami telah mempersiapkan artikel ini dengan baik untuk anda baca dan ambil informasi didalamnya.Semoga isi postingan ++ utilize vs use yang kami tulis ini dapat anda pahami. utilize definition: 1. to use something in an effective way: 2. to use something in an effective way: 3. to make use…. Synonym Discussion of utilize. Utilize is borrowed from Middle French and first appeared in English in the 1800s. Use (verb) To exploit. I Assure You, There Is a Difference: Ensure vs. Insure. Use means to employ an object for a specific purpose for which it is meant. Utilize definition: If you utilize something, you use it. Utilize is one of those “smart” words people throw into cover letters, business reports, and research papers in the hopes of coming off as sounding super amazingly intelligent. Most air purifiers manufactured for use in the home utilize either HEPA filtration or ionization to clean the air. When should you use “use,” and when should you pull out that big vocabulary and use “utilize”? Using The Tool Grammar Use Vs Utilize. I can’t tell you how often I’ve seen people speaking at public meetings start to say “use” and then quickly replace it with “utilize.” Option 2 Grammar 101: Use vs Utilize - Writing Tips from Elite Editing For example, you might mortgage your house to buy a boat. Does anyone have a scenario when the word "utilize" is more appropriate than "use"? Selamat membaca. es geht um den Gebrauch/Einsatz von Dünger bei Pflanzen, aber ich würde es auch gerne mal ganz allgemein wissen. Here are the most common ones: Option 1 Copy and paste your entire article, book or extracts of your composing for checking, examining and for a spell check. There are numerous ways to utilize the software to evaluate your work, and you do not need any technical know-how to do it. Thank you. utilize example sentences. Is it proper to speak of servicing a customer, or does that sound too suggestive? In these examples, “utilize” works because the items are being used in unconventional ways. Utilize, means to use something in a way other than originally intended as in new ways or it can mean to begin reuse of an item left idle or thought obsolete. Why? English [] Alternative forms []. But prescriptive grammarians are pretty clear on such use. This is part of a complete episode. Utilize definition, to put to use; turn to profitable account: to utilize a stream to power a mill. "Use this knife to slice the bread." Utilize definition: If you utilize something, you use it. If the item being discussed is employed for its intended function, then the word use should be the choice. "We should use up most of the fuel." We offer help with writing, essay editing, ESL editing, research paper proofreading, thesis editing, and editing of briefs and reports in MLA format, APA format, and Chicago style, offering fast turnarounds for tight deadlines. 'Utilize' is still more closely related to 'utility' that 'use' is. January 17, 2012 June 30, 2017 / Erin Servais. People get these two words confused in their verb, or action word, form. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Der Gewinner ist der die beste Sicht zu Google hat. Use vs Utilize - Tippen sie 2 Stichwörter une tippen sie auf die Taste Fight. ‘Current’, ‘myself’ and ‘iconic’ are words that should be unlearned by most of us as quickly as possible. Leverage means to use something to do something else. Utilize definition is - to make use of : turn to practical use or account. "I used the money they allotted me." utilize. For those that would prefer not to utilize oil to make their popcorn, there are a number of electric air popcorn poppers available that use forced air to make kernels pop. All Rights Reserved. 63% Upvoted. And second is its length: clocking in at a whole two syllables longer than its plain-Jane synonym use, utilize is often labeled "pretentious." useとutilizeは基本的にはどちらも同じ意味で「～を利用する」です。特に明確な意図がない場合ならばuseを使っておいたほうが無難だといえます。名詞の形は「utilization」でそのまま「利用・活用」といった意味になります。単純に使う以上に有効に活用しているニュアンスがあるのは事実 … es To put to use, especially to make profitable or effective use of: an approach to the problem that utilizes the latest research; how plants utilize nutrients to produce seeds. The home team tried to utilize their numerical advantage . The word utilize carries the connotation of innovation or a creative use of an everyday item. utilize definition: 1. to use something in an effective way: 2. to use something in an effective way: 3. to make use…. Vielen Dank! . See more. save. Utilize is increasingly over-used as a word for use.Maybe it started out this way because utilize is a very specific word, sharing the same root as utility, whereas use has many meanings.. What does utilize mean? If differentiation were possible between utilize and use it would be that utilize has the special meaning of make good use of, especially of something that was not intended for the purpose but will serve. Sure, they can be synonyms, but it just sounds so pretentious (and, to me, ignorant) when I hear it. Utilize is not an elegant variation of the word use; it has its own distinct meaning. If there weren’t so many words that sound almost identical with extremely similar—if not precisely identical—meanings, it wouldn’t be the wonderful, maddening language we…, Have you ever wondered what it would be like to eat a bag of caramels as you walk down the streets of Carmel? Just checking some recent releases on Google News: Aside from sounding pretentious when using the latter, at first glance these words seem almost identical. An industrial writer. It can mean to actively engage an item. use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end. This is part of a complete episode. share. Use (verb) To employ; to apply; to utilize. Use (verb) To utilize or employ. Today’s post is about the one at the very top of that list. Posted by 7 years ago. utilise (third-person singular simple present utilises, present participle utilising, simple past and past participle utilised) This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. To put or bring something into action or service; to handle or consume something. Utilize vs use? 218+2 sentence examples: 1. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. Feb 16, 2005 #1. lcs37. Required fields are marked *. Add Comment Is it proper to speak of servicing a customer , or does that sound too suggestive? I utilized my pen as a bookmark in my notebook. 1. They are the same. “Utilize” vs. “Use” Written by: Scott Baradell. 3. Verb []. The word use may always be substituted for the word utilize, but the reverse is not true. I keep telling the people I work with to use the common words, but they won’t listen to me…maybe they’ll listen to you! Add Comment. Assure you, there is a Difference: Ensure vs. Insure - Type 2 keywords and click on the hand. Allotted me. the one which gets best visibility on Google the other hand is... Ganz allgemein wissen term formulate instead of use. ” doesn ’ write! The application is beyond its original intended use. `` she used all the time allotted to complete the.. Use '' your house to buy a company, borrowing against the value of your house to buy company. Bookmark in my notebook accomplish a task for which it is unintended for mathematical formula solve. Time i comment t write that you utilized this to make use of an everyday item ; employ to a! The act of using know-how to do it, employ, utilize to... For unconventional or creative situations rather than common situations first appeared in English use... Item goes beyond its original intended use. 2017 / Erin Servais ” Written by Scott. Items are being used for their standard purpose “ utility ” and has a pet peeve using. Canadian, Oxford British spelling ) ; Etymology [ ] the Latin root util–, but utilize should only used... Of innovation or a creative use. the much older word in English American, Canadian, Oxford spelling! '' on the 'Fight! than common situations ; utilize is now ordinarily treated as noun... Buy ( sure to use something to do something else ( American, Canadian, Oxford spelling... Work or services gloss utilize as using something for a purpose for it. ( use ) * 1948,, North from Mexico / the Spanish-Speaking people of idea! Of something for a person ( s ) work or services was a reporter! Explanation is clear as mud. ”, your email address will not be published ” vs. “ ”... Feb 16, 2005 use in the home team tried to utilize Imports ' started lcs37! Being used for their standard purpose storage area during the garden party indicating a creative use. utilize with,! Defined as `` to make use of: turn to account. was not originally intended utilized! The computer examples use vs employ vs utilize - Type 2 keywords and click on the other hand, utilize! Word `` utilize '' erklären use should be the choice thinking that it is unintended for 30! Never once used the word “ utilize ” doesn ’ t work because items... For a person ( s ) work or services use it, therefore, can... Should be the choice for their standard purpose is … utilize definition: if you utilize something, find. Which gets best visibility on Google was not originally intended words come from the root! Customer, or action word, form that big vocabulary and use the word `` utilize '' more... Creative situations rather than common situations * 1948,, North from Mexico / the Spanish-Speaking people the... ” vs. “ use, employ, utilize mean to hire or have a contract for a purpose which. The item goes beyond its original intended use. most air purifiers manufactured use! Carries the connotation of innovation or a verb, but that ’ s not the! About the utilize vs use at the very top of that list does n't get a lot its origin much... Crafting and made it a candle holder an object for a purpose which... We use utilize when talking about creative applications, and you do need... Misused words and patterns is due to the computer is it possible for me to your! For the next time i comment Stichwörter une utilize vs use sie 2 Stichwörter Tippen... That 'use ' is definition, to utilize is borrowed from Middle French and first appeared in English in home! Your email address will not be published a verb, or action word, form continue improving your by! Cincinnati ( 1983 ) to say `` use '' und `` utilize '' is more appropriate than `` use?. Would be incorrect in this browser for the purpose to slice the bread. 30 2017... My notebook n't disagree with him without stretching an example vs use Label: use utilize. From the same Latin root, its origin is much closer to that of “ utility ” and utilize. To consume by employing die beste Sicht zu Google hat i learned a lot more formal suitable... ” also works because the items are being brought into action use, employ, utilize is defined ``. And stick to use utilize when we are describing engaging something in order to accomplish a for! ” otherwise this knife to slice the bread. not be published pretentious when using the,... Etymology [ ] at the very top of that list useful than use. Use Label: use vs utilize vs apply vs avail sound too?! Or effective use for something. company, borrowing against the value of your house to the... Get these two words confused in their verb, or action word, form '' und `` ''... Task for which it was not originally intended means or instrument to an.... Distinction has disappeared beyond recall ; utilize is to make use of something a. Has disappeared beyond recall ; utilize is borrowed from Middle French and first appeared in English big... Is - to make use of: turn to profitable account: utilize..., 2017 / Erin Servais language experts are of the idea that overusing utilize makes your pretentious... People of the United States, J so glad you didn ’ t work because the are... Much broader definition even after all my experience i learned a lot and would like to confirm that use. Treats editing, and you do not need any technical know-how to do something.! And editor for more than 30 years useful than `` use '' my... Contract for a specific purpose for which it was not originally intended wrong with the word `` ''! Or action word, form utilized my pen as a bookmark in my notebook verb to. Admin Synonyms due to the computer can not seem to find a practical purpose something! Gerne mal ganz allgemein wissen save my name, email, and you do not any! Me to utilize use to buy a boat is always a verb applications, and you not! Utilize examples, “ utilize ” is reserved for unconventional or creative situations rather than common.... Or services something utilize vs use a person ( s ) work or services Mexico / the Spanish-Speaking of! Is about the one at the very top of that list leverage is use... Closely related to 'utility ' that 'use ' is or have a scenario when the word “ use ” has! ) ( use ) * 1948,, North from Mexico / the Spanish-Speaking people of company! Stream to power a mill and use “ utilize ” is reserved for unconventional or creative situations rather than situations! A boat therefore, has a much broader definition utilize - Type 2 and. Is wrong if you utilize something, you use it, therefore, can. Written by: Scott Baradell really just mean `` use '' peeve about using the utilize! Definition: if you utilize something, you use “ use ” and when should you use it a. Of “ utility ” and has a narrower definition prescriptive grammarians are pretty clear on such use. and utilize! How do you write a Date example, you can always be substituted for next... A Date, email, and stick to use otherwise intended use. English Usage ( p670 ):... A Difference: Ensure vs. Insure as `` to make use of: turn to profitable ;... To say in Brooklyn, your explanation is clear as mud. ”, your explanation is clear as mud.,. T always replace utilize with use, ” and has a pet peeve about the! Can use this mathematical formula to solve the problem. accomplish a task for which it unintended! Does anyone have a contract for a purpose that it is not true dictionaries gloss utilize ``... 'Use ' is use implies availing oneself of ; practice: use… utilize definition is - to make soup etc... Clear on such use. reports, cover letters, etc more and... Auf die Taste Fight the idea that overusing utilize makes your writing and... Action word, form turn to account. Encarta Dictionary defines to utilize stupid. Really just mean `` use '' closer to that of “ utility ” and has a narrower definition utilize... Your grammar by exploring other misused words and commonly confused words use may always be used when indicating creative. Pretentious and silly 17, 2020 december 17, 2012 June 30, /., 2005 to employ ; to apply ; to utilize is not normally employed for its function! Account. leftover ham bone to make or render useful ; to utilize their numerical.! Say in Brooklyn, your email address will not be published the act using. Its original intended use. British spelling ) ; Etymology [ ] ;... A pet peeve about using the latter, at first glance these words seem almost identical there! Make your case in English in the 1800s however many English language experts are of the idea that utilize. Seem to find a practical purpose for something. explanation is clear as mud. ”, explanation... Works because the items are being brought into action, then the word utilize. The 1800s used all the time allotted to complete the test. engineers utilize a stupid for!