utility

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
  2. noun the quality of being of practical use
  3. noun the service (electric power or water or transportation) provided by a public utility

Etymology

From Middle English utilite, from Old French utilite, utilitet (“usefulness”), from Latin ūtilitās, from uti (“to use”). By surface analysis, utile + -ity.

In classic literature

Synonyms

public utility, public utility company, public-service corporation

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