utiliser

Utiliser is a French verb meaning to use, to employ, or to make use of something. It is a regular -er verb that covers a broad range of contexts, from the physical act of handling a tool to applying a method or resource.

Conjugation: It is a regular -er verb. In the present tense, the forms are j'utilise, tu utilises, il utilise, nous utilisons, vous utilisez, ils utilisent. The past participle is utilisé; the present participle is utilisant, with the gerund en utilisant. Other tenses follow standard -er endings (e.g., utilisais, utilisera, utilisiez). The imperative forms are utilise, utilisons, utilisez.

Etymology: The verb derives from the noun utilité (usefulness) via the suffix -iser, and ultimately from Latin utilis meaning useful. It is a relatively recent formation in French, created to express the act of applying or employing something.

Usage and nuance: Utiliser is the default verb for taking advantage of tools, equipment, resources, or ideas. It is neutral in everyday use, but can carry a positive or neutral tone depending on context. In some cases, especially in technical or bureaucratic language, it can appear formal. Common synonyms include employer (to hire someone) in specific senses, se servir de (to make use of, especially informally), or appliquer (to apply). Examples: J'utilise un ordinateur pour écrire. Il utilise les ressources disponibles. On peut utiliser ce logiciel pour calculer les données.

Related terms: utile, utilité, utilisation, utilisateur, utilisable.