Useful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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useful
[ˈjuːsfʊl ]
Definitions
everyday life
Having practical utility; of service; beneficial
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| useful |
Used to describe something that can serve a practical purpose or help achieve a goal.
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| helpful |
Refers to something or someone that provides assistance or serves to aid someone.
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| effective |
Describes something that produces a desired or intended result.
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| valuable |
Used to convey that something is highly beneficial or important, often implying worth or high significance.
|
Examples of usage
- This book contains a lot of useful information for students.
- Learning a new language can be very useful when traveling.
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.
|
| functional |
Use 'functional' when referring to something that works well and performs its intended purpose, often emphasizing efficiency or utility over aesthetics.
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| 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.
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| versatile |
Use 'versatile' when describing something or someone that can be used for many different purposes or has a wide range of skills.
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Examples of usage
- This tool is very useful for fixing small electronics.
- She has a useful skill set that makes her a valuable employee.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'useful'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'useful' originated in the late 16th century from the Old French word 'usuel', which came from the Latin word 'uti' meaning 'to use'. Over time, 'useful' has evolved to describe something that is practical, beneficial, or of service in various contexts.
See also: abuse, disuse, disused, misuse, misused, overuse, peruse, reusableness, reuse, reusing, underuse, unusable, unused, usability, usable, usage, used, usefully, usefulness, useless, uselessness, users, using, usual, utensil, utilize.