utilise

Utilise is a verb meaning to make practical and effective use of something; to employ for a specific purpose. It covers using tools, resources, methods, or ideas in a way that achieves a desired outcome. In formal writing it can substitute for “use” when a more precise tone is desired.

Etymology and spelling: Utilise derives from the French utiliser, which comes from Latin utilis (useful). Spelling varies by region: British English normally uses utilise, while American English typically uses utilize. The related noun forms are utilisation (British) and utilization (American).

Usage notes: Utilise is common in formal, academic, and professional contexts. In everyday American English, “use” is often preferred. When choosing between spellings, maintain consistency with the chosen variant. The word is typically transitive and takes a direct object: utilise a resource, utilise a technique.

Examples: The organisation utilises renewable energy to reduce emissions. The researchers utilised a new algorithm to analyse the data.