Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
utilise
utilitarian
utilitarianism
utility
utility patent
utility program
utility room
utility vehicle
utilize
utmost
Uto-Aztecan
utopia
utopian
utopian socialism
utopianism
Utrecht
utricle
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "utilize" in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

utilize

u·til·ize [ yt'l z ] (past and past participle u·til·ized, present participle u·til·iz·ing, 3rd person present singular u·til·iz·es)


transitive verb 
Definition:
 
make use of something: to make use of something, or find a practical or effective use for something

[Early 19th century. < French utiliser< Latin utilis (see utility)]

u·til·iz·a·ble adjective
u·til·i·za·tion [ yt'li záysh'n ] noun
u·til·iz·er [ yt'l zər ] noun

Word Usage
utilize or use?

Utilize means "make use of something, or find a practical use for something" and so is more specific than use. Utilize is more common in technical contexts: The device utilizes a special plug-in connection. It can also refer to using things in unusual or unintended ways, as a more formal equivalent of "make use of": When the fan belt broke they had to utilize a leather belt. In business jargon and in other contexts, utilize is often found when the meaning intended is simply "use," a use that should be avoided: Successful applicants will be able to use [not utilize] their skills and experience in this field.


Word Key: Synonyms

See use.

Also on Encarta
Englishtown: Learn English online
Our Partners
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
MSN Shopping
Upgrade your Encarta experience
Encarta RSS Feeds
© 2008 Microsoft