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To me, "utilize" means to use properly. It has a positive connotation that "use" does not. edit: dictionary.com seems to agree. "to put to use; turn to profita
by jaxn 12y ago
To me, "utilize" means to use properly. It has a positive connotation that "use" does not.
edit: dictionary.com seems to agree.
"to put to use; turn to profitable account"
- kevinpet 12y agoUtilize is "use" but focusing on the thing being used rather than what it's used for. I utilized my calculus textbook to prop up my monitor. I used my calculus textbook to prop up my monitor. In the first, I'm looking for a use for the book and that's what I could do with it. In the second, I need to raise my monitor, and the calculus book was handy.
- genericuser 12y agoI also consider it to mean proper use of something. But figured it was just me ascribing extra meaning. For instance, (assuming no context is provided) if someone said they utilized a fire extinguisher I would assume they meant to put out a fire. If they said they used a fire extinguisher, I would be wondering what they used it for (to propel an office chair , kill a mouse, cool their beer). Context of course almost always exists.
- mcguire 12y agoThe first definiton of "use" (as a verb with an object) is very similar: "1. to employ for some purpose; put into service; make use of: to use a knife."