utilise

verb

USYOO-ti-lyz/ˈjuːtɪlaɪz/

Formsutilises, utilising, utilised

4 meanings of utilise

Practice

1
verbUKtransitive
To make use of something, especially for a particular task or purpose.
Researchers utilise satellite data to track changing weather patterns.
The factory utilises recycled water in several stages of production.
Similaruse, employ, harness, apply
Note
A British spelling: English has -ise here where American English writes utilize, and the two are the same verb. It is a Latinate alternative to use, at home in formal and technical prose. Engineering writing favors it, as in a 1959 piece on the Kent Coast electrification locomotives, which reused methods "to utilise existing jigs and press tools." In everyday talk, plain use usually reads better.
2
verbUKtransitive
To make the fullest use of something, drawing on its complete potential, capacity, or ability.
Smart farmers utilise every acre, rotating crops to keep the soil productive.
The startup utilised its small budget brilliantly, stretching each dollar.
Similarexploit, maximize, use, harness
Oppositewaste, squander
3
verbUKtransitive
To make something useful by finding a practical application for it.
Engineers utilise waste heat from the plant to warm nearby homes.
The artist utilised scrap metal to build her sculptures.
Similarharness, use, exploit, employ
Oppositewaste, discard
Note
The sense closest to the word's origins. English took it from French utiliser, which came through Italian utilizzare from utile, "useful," and ultimately from Latin ūtī, "to use." To utilise in this sense is quite literally to make useful, as when waste heat or scrap metal is given a job. The verb is fairly young in English, dating from around 1810.
4
verbUKtransitive
To make do with something, using it in a way other than what was originally intended.
Soldiers in the field utilise whatever materials they can find for shelter.
He utilised an old door as a makeshift desk.
Similaruse, repurpose, employ

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Origin

This word comes from French utiliser, which came from Italian utilizzare, from utile ('useful'). That traces back to Latin ūtilis and ultimately ūtī ('use'). It is attested around 1810.