# utilize

Pronunciation: say "YOO-tuh-lyz" US /ˈju.tə.laɪz/, AUS /ˈjʉː.tə.lɑez/; UK say "YOO-ti-lyz" /ˈjuː.tɪ.laɪz/

## Verb

1. To make use of something or put it to use.
   - Simple: To use something, or make use of it.
   - _Engineers plan to utilize the existing rail lines rather than build new ones._
   - _The report utilized data from three national surveys._
2. To make the best possible use of something, using it to its fullest extent, potential or ability.
   - Simple: To use something as fully and as well as you can.
   - _The coach redesigned the offense to better utilize her speed._
   - _The architects utilized every corner of the tiny apartment._
3. To make do with something, using it in a way different from what it was originally meant for.
   - Simple: To use something in a way it was not made for, because you have nothing better.
   - _Without proper tools, we had to utilize a butter knife as a screwdriver._
   - _The stranded hikers utilized their tent poles as splints for a broken leg._

## Origin

From French utiliser, from Italian utilizzare, built on utile ("useful"), from Latin ūtilis, from ūtī ("to use").

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/utilize (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).