Use vs. Utilize!

I think this is VERY IMPORTANT and everyone that speaks English should understand when to use the word "use" or "utilize" as it makes you look really stupid when you use the wrong one.

From ezinearticle.com on writing,

"Use" and "utilize" are two verbs with distinct meanings. Don't confuse them.

"Use" is to employ objects for the purposes they were designed for.

"Utilize," on the other hand, is to employ objects for unintended purposes.

This is a huge pet peeve of mine, and hit a breaking point for me today. I was watching videos on sharpening my straight razor and this guy kept using the word "utilize" when talking about sharpening the razor with a sharpening stone.

Now from what we learned above, a sharpening stone would be "used" to sharpen a blade, while a smooth brick could be "utilized" to sharpen a blade.

So please go out and let everyone know which word to use when, and give them a slap when they use the wrong one.