Skip to main content
to utilize

to utilize

224 4.9
To use something for a particular purpose
  • verb
  • /ˈjuːtəˌlaɪz/
  • Formal
translation icon : utilizar
  • We also established a dialogue with departments about how they could utilize the learning commons more effectively.
  • utilize technology
  • utilize resources
  • utilize tools

That will be a full deep breath utilizing the entire lung capacity.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Other schools, like Westwood School in Georgia, utilize the iPad and iTouch in addition to their laptop programs.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Now, as your counsel, I'd like to utilize all of the press here in Chicago.

  • So we need to utilize that word more often.

  • OK, who are the people who who utilize that strategy?

  • We can hurt our ability to utilize the source to transfer energy.

  • We as a people, we need to learn how to utilize each other.

  • So it's an active choice from your brain to utilize some nutrients or not.

  • We also gave you a way to control and utilize your magical ability.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Within each topic, students can view movies and utilize other interactive features.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The teacher encourages students to utilize their textbooks for better understanding of the subject.

Synonyms

to use
vsto utilize
1.0

To put something to work for a purpose

is more about making something practical and effective for a specific purpose
to apply
vsto utilize
374 2.8

Use something for a particular purpose, for example a rule or method

emphasizes practical, effective action rather than formal implementation
to employ
vsto utilize
203 2.2

To use something for a particular purpose

is the same meaning but often appears in more formal or technical contexts
to exploit
vsto utilize
95 4.1

To use resources or chances well to get a good result

is about practical effective handling rather than gaining advantage

Antonyms

1.0

To use or spend something carelessly and without good reason

How Effective

to leverage
114 5.4
to utilize
  • Formal
224 4.9
to employ
203 2.2

Surface Forms

utilize infinitive
utilized past
utilized past participle
utilizing present participle
utilizes third person singular

Morphology

utilize = util + ize

The verb-forming suffix '-ize' transparently indicates a verbal meaning, but the root 'util' is not a standalone English word and learners cannot reliably connect it to 'use' without additional vocabulary knowledge.

Etymology

The word utilize comes from the Latin root utilis, which means 'useful', and it is like the English words use and utility. It originally meant to make something useful or put it into use, so to utilize something is to use it in a practical or effective way.