My Merrimam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary defines it as:
"To make use of, to turn to practical use or account."
And my Funk and Wagnalls defines it pretty much the same way:
"To make useful; turn to practical account; make use of."
I hung a new clock on the wall over the fireplace yesterday by driving a nail
into the wall. So, did I "use" or "utilize" a hammer? I prefer "use," but I
don't think "utilize" would be wrong.
Walt, practicing pedantry again
--
"Anything more than 500 yards from
the car just isn't photogenic." --
Edward Weston
-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Jez Cunningham" <jez.cunningham@xxxxxxxxx>
>
>
> I won't agree with you 'til I's heard a good example...
> Jez
>
>
> On 4/8/07, Andrew Fildes <afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I cite
> > the substitution of 'utiliize' for 'use' - is there any situation
> > where it is justified? I really can't think of one but there really
> > should be because the word itself is valid. My OED say it means 'to
> > make useful' rather than 'to employ' but I can't quite see it.
> >
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