What does utiliser mean?
Utiliser is a standard French transitive verb meaning “to use” or “to make use of.” It appears in everyday speech whenever a person operates a device, takes advantage of a service, applies a method, or puts a resource to practical effect. “Utiliser le métro” is a neutral, direct way to say to use the metro; “utiliser une application” similarly describes using an application. The verb is often more concise and less formal than “faire usage de,” though it remains fully suitable in professional and public contexts. Its pronominal use, as in product language such as “ce produit s’utilise facilement,” means that something is used or can be used in a particular way. Although “utiliser” is commonly translated simply as “use,” English “use” and French “utiliser” differ somewhat in everyday feel: the French verb explicitly foregrounds making practical use of an object, service, or means. The word is especially useful for learners because it combines ordinary daily reference with the more formal vocabulary of efficiency, resources, and applications.
verbTo use or make practical use of a person, object, service, method, or resource. It can also mean to employ something for a particular purpose.
- To use or make use of an object, service, person, method, or resource.
- To employ or apply something for a particular purpose.
- Occasionally, to use something up or wear it out through repeated use.
"Nous utilisons les transports en commun pour aller au travail."
"Cette application permet d'utiliser votre téléphone pour suivre votre commande."
"Un élément.biz consultative Expert Panel a suggéré de modifier légèrement le processus existant."
From Latin utilis, meaning “useful,” utiliser literally means “to make useful”—and its practical job is exactly that.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of utiliser
French utiliser was borrowed from Latin utilisare, “to use” or “to make use of,” which was formed from utilis, meaning “useful.” The underlying Latin family also includes utilis, “useful,” and relates to uti, “to use.” English cognates include utility, utilize, utilitarian, and utilization, all of which reflect the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How utiliser is actually used
Utiliser is standard modern French and is direct and usually neutral in tone. It is transitive, while its pronominal form s'utiliser is common in product descriptions and instructions.
Easily confused with utiliser
Utiliser is the verb meaning “to use,” whereas utilisateur is a noun meaning a user, such as a person, account, or device.