Reading Theme:
Utilities Meaning: Essential Services & Examples
Meaning 1：essential services (Utilities)
Utilities
/juːˈtɪlɪtiːz/
n.
Essential services like water, electricity, and gas that are necessary for daily living and often billed monthly.
essential services
➕
/ɪˈsɛnʃəl ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/
n.
Essential services such as water, electricity, and gas that are necessary for daily living and are usually billed monthly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'utilis' (useful) + '-ity' (state/quality) + plural -s.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'utility belt' – a belt with tools for usefulness; utilities are useful services for daily life.
📖 Example
When renting an apartment, always check if utilities like water and electricity are included in the price.
When you rent an apartment, you should always verify whether costs for utilities such as water and electricity are part of the price.
🔗 Collocations
utility bill – a monthly statement for services like electricity and water
public utilities – government-regulated companies providing essential services
utility costs – expenses for basic services such as gas and electricity
🔄 Synonyms
amenities (n.) – features that make a place comfortable or convenient, often broader than basic services
services (n.) – work done or duties performed for someone, especially public services
facilities (n.) – buildings, services, or equipment provided for a particular purpose
🚫 Antonyms
luxuries (n.) – non-essential items that provide pleasure or comfort
discretionary expenses (n.) – spending on non-essential items or services
🌱 Derivatives
utility (n.) – the quality of being useful
utilize (v.) – to make use of something
utilitarian (adj.) – designed to be useful rather than attractive
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'utilities' entered English via Old French from Latin 'utilitas' meaning usefulness. In modern contexts, it refers to essential public services like water, electricity, and gas, often bundled in monthly bills.
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