Useful: meaning, definitions and examples

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useful

[ˈjuːsfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

everyday life

Having practical utility; of service; beneficial

Synonyms

effective, helpful, valuable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
useful	Used to describe something that can serve a practical purpose or help achieve a goal. This manual is very useful for new employees. He found the tool incredibly useful for fixing the bike.
helpful	Refers to something or someone that provides assistance or serves to aid someone. The instructions were really helpful. She was very helpful during the move.
effective	Describes something that produces a desired or intended result. The new medicine is very effective against flu. His speech was effective in convincing the audience.
valuable	Used to convey that something is highly beneficial or important, often implying worth or high significance. Her advice was valuable for completing the project. The seminar provided valuable information.

Examples of usage

This book contains a lot of useful information for students.
Learning a new language can be very useful when traveling.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

work environment

Capable of being used for a practical purpose or in several ways

Synonyms

functional, practical, versatile.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
useful	Use 'useful' when referring to something that provides help or is beneficial in achieving a particular task or goal. This guide was really useful for my project She gave me some useful advice
functional	Use 'functional' when referring to something that works well and performs its intended purpose, often emphasizing efficiency or utility over aesthetics. The design of this chair is very functional Is this device still functional after the repair?
practical	Use 'practical' when talking about something that is sensible and easy to use in real situations, often with a focus on everyday usage or convenience. We need a more practical solution to the problem Her outfit is very practical for a day of hiking
versatile	Use 'versatile' when describing something or someone that can be used for many different purposes or has a wide range of skills. This tool is incredibly versatile; it can cut, slice, and dice She is a versatile actress who can play a wide range of characters

Examples of usage

This tool is very useful for fixing small electronics.
She has a useful skill set that makes her a valuable employee.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin word 'usus,' meaning 'use,' merged with the English suffix '-ful', meaning 'full of'.
The term began being used in English around the late 14th century, relating to practical benefits.
Over time, the meaning evolved to describe anything that helps fulfill a purpose.

Psychology

Feeling usefulness often boosts a person's self-esteem and motivation to engage in activities.
Research shows that tasks perceived as useful can create higher engagement and focus among individuals.
People often seek purpose in their lives, associating usefulness with a sense of belonging and contribution.

Education

Educational tools deemed useful can significantly enhance understanding and retention of knowledge.
In teaching, educators aim to provide useful feedback to help students grow and learn effectively.
Curriculums are often designed around what skills or knowledge are considered useful for real-world applications.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict characters who seek usefulness in their lives, reflecting personal growth and adventures.
Useful inventions, such as smartphones, have transformed daily life, making tasks easier and more convenient.
In the realm of social media, the phrase 'useful content' is a buzzword, emphasizing practicality for audiences.

Technology

Useful applications (apps) are designed to improve productivity and streamline daily activities.
Innovations like artificial intelligence are created to perform useful tasks that enhance human capability.
The concept of 'usability' in tech refers to how easy and effective a product is for users, underlining the importance of being useful.

Translations

Translations of the word "useful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 útil

🇮🇳 उपयोगी

🇩🇪 nützlich

🇮🇩 berguna

🇺🇦 корисний

🇵🇱 użyteczny

🇯🇵 役に立つ

🇫🇷 utile

🇪🇸 útil

🇹🇷 faydalı

🇰🇷 유용한

🇸🇦 مفيد

🇨🇿 užitečný

🇸🇰 užitočný

🇨🇳 有用的

🇸🇮 uporaben

🇮🇸 gagnlegur

🇰🇿 пайдалы

🇬🇪 სასარგებლო

🇦🇿 faydalı

🇲🇽 útil

Word Frequency Rank

At #948 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

...
945 constant
946 sources
947 trust
948 useful
949 prevent
950 expression
951 bed
...