What is the difference between the words use and utilize?

Answer:

"Use" and "utilize" are often used interchangably, as synonyms, usually to turn a boring one-syllable word into a fancy-sounding three-syllable word. Unfortunately this practice has diluted the original meaning of "utilize."

The real difference is "use" means what you think it means, to employ for some purpose, whereas "utilize" means to use something for other than its intended purpose, or to give something a purpose that it is not normally thought to have. In other words, to give something utility. Notice that both utilize and utility share the same root word "util," probably latin for "purpose" or something.

Example:

"We used the bus to transport all the tour members."

"We utilized the bus for shelter in the fierce, unexpected blizzard."

In the first you are using the bus as... a bus, so "use" is appropriate and sufficient. In the second you are using the bus as a shelter, so you are giving it a utility, or purpose, that it does not normally serve.

Try not to use "utilize" when you really just mean "use." You may think it makes you sound sophisticated to simple people, and it probably does, but it also makes you sound simple to sophisticated people. :)