Utilize has a rightful place in the English language. [1][2]
Just because so many people misuse it, doesn't mean it should be ghettoized.
Remember a few days ago when an article suggested that we may be shaping our lives according to the capability of machines and there were many naysayers? People nixing a perfectly useful word because a machine can easily recognize is a perfect example of us accomodating our ways to the capabilities of machines.
> Utilize has a rightful place in the English language. [1][2]
Neither of the these articles make a very strong point. Just because the Merriam-Webster felt this "use for unintended purpose" connotation doesn't mean it's true. I'm still of the opinion that "utilize" is completely useless---it is simply the French verb for "to use."
The use of "utilize" in English is a classic "wanting to be fancy by using the French word" syndrome.
While the second reference was for Merriam-Webster, the first was for Oxford. So if you really want go against BOTH of those dictionaries AND english.stackexchange [1], you'll be making yourself deliberately obtuse. You might want to glance at the Cambridge American English Dictionary as well [2][3].
Can you not loosen your grip on this opinion in the face of evidence? Is it clear to you that people make dictionaries so that we can communicate more efficiently, get more done, understand one another better and improve our experience on this planet, not to be fancy? I'm telling you this because in my dream, this is a website of people helping each other achieve the goals of their lives and details like this may help you, too. I enjoy it when people bring me fresh clarity. I'm not trying to beat you into a pulp until you agree with me.
Just because so many people misuse it, doesn't mean it should be ghettoized.
Remember a few days ago when an article suggested that we may be shaping our lives according to the capability of machines and there were many naysayers? People nixing a perfectly useful word because a machine can easily recognize is a perfect example of us accomodating our ways to the capabilities of machines.
[1] http://grammarpartyblog.com/2012/01/17/use-versus-utilize/ [2] http://writing.wikinut.com/Writing-Tip%3A-Use-and-Utilize-ar...