Utilize Meaning and Definition
Utilize
Pronunciation
/juˈtɪleɪs/
Part of Speech
Verb
Definition
To make practical use of something, such as a skill, resource, or opportunity, in order to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
Examples
- Schools should utilize technology to improve teaching methods.
- The company tried to utilize its employees’ skills to boost productivity.
Synonyms
- Use
- Employ
- Utilize
Antonyms
- Abandon
- Discard
Additional Information
Utilize is often used in business, technology, and education to describe the effective use of resources, skills, and opportunities. It can also be used to emphasize the practical application of theoretical knowledge or concepts. Utilize is a more formal and technical term compared to its synonym “use.”
The concept of utilize is closely related to the idea of maximizing the potential of something, whether it’s a skill, resource, or opportunity. It requires the ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities, as well as the willingness to take calculated risks and make informed decisions.
Etymology
The word “utilize” comes from the Latin “utilis,” meaning “useful” or “serviceable.”
Usage Notes
Utilize is a more formal and technical term compared to its synonym “use.” It is often used in academic, professional, and technical contexts to describe the effective use of resources, skills, and opportunities.
In everyday conversation, it’s more common to use the phrase “make use of” or simply “use” instead of “utilize.” However, in formal or technical writing, “utilize” can be a more precise and accurate choice.
Cultural References
Utilize has been mentioned in several notable works of literature, including business self-help books and academic papers.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Make the most of” and “maximize the potential” are idiomatic expressions that are closely related to the concept of utilize.
Related Words or Phrases
- Use
- Employ
- Make use of
- Maximize
Collocations
- To utilize resources effectively
- To utilize skills and knowledge
- To utilize technology and innovation
Frequency of Use
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, “utilize” is used approximately 1.5 times more frequently than “use” in formal academic and professional writing.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of “utilize” include “utilise,” “utilizee,” and “utilizable.”