Utilize

Definition

Utilize means to make practical and effective use of something.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈjuːtɪˌlaɪz/
• Respelling: YOO-ti-lyze (with "YOO" as in "you," "ti" as in "tip," and "lyze" rhyming with "prize")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/
• Respelling: YOO-ti-lyze (similar to American English, with "YOO" as in "you," "ti" as in "tip," and "lyze" rhyming with "prize")

In both dialects, "utilize" is pronounced similarly. The main features are the long "oo" sound at the beginning, the short "i" sound in the middle, and the "lyze" ending, which is similar to the "lyze" in "analyze."

Etymology

The verb "utilize" originates from the French word "utiliser", which stems from the earlier word "utile", meaning "useful". This, in turn, has its roots in the Latin "uti", which means "to use".

Derivatives

• Utilization
• Utilizer
• Utilizable
• Utilized
• Utilizing

Synonyms

• Use
• Employ
• Harness

Antonyms

• Neglect
• Ignore
• Abandon

Usage

• "The engineers utilize advanced technology to design the new bridge."
• "Waste materials are now utilized to produce energy."

Related Terms

• Utility
• Utilitarian
• Useful
• Application
• Function

Detailed Definition

Verb

• To Make Use Of: To employ something for a practical purpose.
• Example: The company utilizes state-of-the-art machinery to produce its goods.

• To Turn To Advantage: To use something, especially for a different purpose than its original intent.
• Example: She has the ability to utilize negative feedback as motivation for improvement.