Usefully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔧
Add to dictionary

usefully

[ˈjuːsfəli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

in a helpful or beneficial manner

Usefully is an adverb that describes doing something in a way that is helpful or beneficial. It implies that the action taken has a positive impact or serves a purpose.

Synonyms

beneficially, effectively, efficiently, productively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
usefully

Use when something is helping to achieve a purpose in a practical way.

  • He spent his time usefully by organizing the files
  • The information was presented usefully for better understanding
effectively

Use when something achieves a desired result or goal successfully.

  • She effectively communicated her ideas during the meeting
  • The medicine works effectively to relieve pain
efficiently

Use when something is done in a well-organized and productive manner with minimal waste of time and resources.

  • The team worked efficiently to complete the project ahead of schedule
  • The new system processes data more efficiently
productively

Use when something leads to good, useful, or profitable outcomes, often related to work or effort.

  • He spent the afternoon working productively on his assignments
  • Meetings should be structured to ensure time is used productively
beneficially

Use when something is having a good or positive effect or outcome.

  • Eating vegetables can beneficially impact your health
  • Exercising regularly beneficially affects both body and mind

Examples of usage

  • He used the information usefully to solve the problem.
  • She contributed usefully to the team's success.
  • The new software feature allows users to work more usefully.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistic Use

  • Adverbs like 'usefully' often provide more information about how an action is done, enhancing clarity in communication.
  • In academic and professional writing, using words like 'usefully' can improve the overall impact of arguments by emphasizing the benefits.
  • Common phrases include 'usefully applied' and 'usefully employed', showcasing the practical application of the word.

Cultural Significance

  • In modern workplaces, being described as 'useful' or 'usefully engaged' reflects a valued member of the team.
  • Self-help literature often emphasizes the idea of being usefully engaged in personal growth and community service.
  • In environmental discussions, 'usefully' describes sustainable practices that benefit nature and society.

Psychology

  • Research shows that when people feel they are being usefully utilized, such as in their jobs or personal endeavors, their happiness and job satisfaction increases.
  • The concept of 'useful purpose' can deeply affect motivation, driving individuals to pursue passions that contribute positively to society.
  • Cognitive psychology suggests that recognizing how we can be usefully engaged in different tasks enhances our learning and retention.

Literature

  • Many authors use the concept of being 'useful' to drive character development, often displaying how characters transform when they find purpose.
  • Classical literature often details the journey of protagonists seeking to become more useful to their communities, reflecting cultural values of service.
  • The term appears frequently in self-help books, highlighting the importance of being valuable and assisting others in achieving their goals.

Origin of 'usefully'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'usefully' comes from the root word 'use', which traces back to Latin 'uti', meaning to employ or take advantage.
  • In the 15th century, 'useful' was first recorded in English literature, and 'usefully' followed as its adverb form.
  • The suffix '-fully' originates from Old English '-full', meaning 'full of'. Therefore, 'usefully' means 'full of use' or 'helpful'.

The word 'usefully' originated from the combination of 'useful' and the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Useful' comes from the Old French 'usful', which is derived from the Latin 'utilem', meaning 'helpful, profitable'. The adverbial suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating 'in a certain way'. Therefore, 'usefully' refers to doing something in a way that is helpful or beneficial.


See also: abuse, disuse, disused, misuse, misused, overuse, peruse, reusableness, reuse, reusing, underuse, unusable, unused, usability, usable, usage, used, useful, usefulness, useless, uselessness, users, using, usual, utensil, utilize.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,033, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.