That means use and utilize are not perfect synonyms, although they are often used interchangeably in everyday language. You should already know how to use (not utilize) the word utilize, utilizing, or utilized properly. Use is for performing an action on an object based on its typical purpose.
That means you can only employ utilize when you mean to use information technology challenges in the manufacturing industry something creatively. Here are some examples where use and utilize both work. Both words originate from the Latin word util-. However, use is much older in English than utilize, which explains its more comprehensive definition. When use functions as a verb, the s is pronounced as a z. Use may also mean to exploit someone or something.
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In these cases, use functions as a transitive verb, which is a verb that takes an object. Utilize is not a fancy way to say use because it has a different meaning. Use means to consume from a limited supply or take something to achieve a result.
But don’t worry about the uselessness of utilize! Even though it has the same Latin origin, it’s closer to utility. Use is also used as a noun to mean the action or ability to engage with something to accomplish a task, achieve a goal, or take advantage.
The word utilize carries the connotation of innovation or creative use of an everyday item. If the item being discussed is employed for its intended function, then the word use should be the choice. Use refers to using something for a given purpose, and utilize implies making the most effective use of something, often in a manner not initially intended.
Even a regular person would assume that they mean the same. And they will prefer using utilize because it’s longer and more bureaucratic. These sentence examples only employ use because the object being used is for their primary intent.
Use the word utilize when you are using something beyond its original and intended purpose. You may use a bat to play baseball, but you can utilize it as a self-defense tool. The words employ and utilize are common synonyms of use. While all three words mean “to put into service especially to attain an end,” use implies availing oneself of something as a means or instrument to an end. There’s also an ongoing talk about scientific writers being allowed to use utilize and use interchangeably. They say that you should correctly employ use and utilize even if you’re a science writer.
employ
Utilize means to use something beyond its intended purpose. In most cases, the correct spelling is utilize. Understanding the correct usage for both is more than just semantics; it’s a building block for clearer, more precise communication in your writing. So, if you’ve ever scratched your head on whether to add use or utilize to a sentence, this article is your go-to resource. Although the words employ and use have much in common, employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged.
- Use the word utilize when you are using something beyond its original and intended purpose.
- But you can’t replace the word use with utilize.
- If the item being discussed is employed for its intended function, then the word use should be the choice.
- That means you can only employ utilize when you mean to use something creatively.
- Utilize is not a fancy way to say use because it has a different meaning.
- It should also be the word of choice over the word utilize in nearly all cases.
Definition of Use with Examples
- The word utilize carries the connotation of innovation or creative use of an everyday item.
- For instance, if one keeps his life savings in a sock, he may be utilizing the sock as a bank.
- Although the words employ and use have much in common, employ suggests the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged.
- Understanding the correct usage for both is more than just semantics; it’s a building block for clearer, more precise communication in your writing.
Studying the origins of use and utilize makes us realize that use can be used in different contexts. But utilize should only be used to indicate a “creative” use. For example, when you’re pointing at an object with a ruler, you’re utilizing it. In both definitions of the verb use, the objects are brought into action in the standard or typical way.
Can you solve 4 words at once?
This distinction in spelling stems from British vs. American English conventions. Related words are utilizes, utilized, utilizing, and utililization. Utilize is the 12 best bitcoin wallets in the uk 2021 North American spelling; the British spellings are utilise, utilises, utilised, utilising, and utilisation. If you’re a professional copy editor, op-ed editor, or other kinds of editor, you’ve probably noticed this error among writers. It’s a common mistake that editors are burdened with since only a few people understand the difference between the two words.
The word use has been in the English language since at least 1200. It has several definitions depending on the part of the speech. It should also be the word of choice over the word utilize in nearly all cases. For instance, if one keeps his life savings in a sock, he may be utilizing the sock as a bank. The intended use of a sock is to cover one’s foot, not function as a bank.
Is ‘utilize’ a word worth using?
Employ suggests buy ethereum with metamask how to setup a bitcoin remittance business the use of a person or thing that is available but idle, inactive, or disengaged. Use, employ, utilize mean to put into service especially to attain an end.
Overall, regular writers might overuse the word utilize, although it’s not always their fault. Dictionaries just need to stress the distinction between the two. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the word utilize. However, early-career writers employ the word utilize instead of use because it sounds more important or more formal than the word use. You can almost always substitute utilize for use. But you can’t replace the word use with utilize.
It comes from the French word utiliser, which means making effective use of something. When functioning as a noun, the s in use is pronounced as an s. While in some cases nearly identical to use, utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something. Utilize may suggest the discovery of a new, profitable, or practical use for something.