adjective
useful
Helping achieve a purpose or meet a need.
This pocket guide is useful for identifying common garden birds.
Etymology
The use-word takes -ful to describe practical effectiveness. Something useful contributes to achieving an aim or satisfying a need.
More examples
- She gives me useful advice about managing my money.
- Keep those boxes; they might be useful later.
- I make myself useful by washing the dishes.
Forms
useful · more useful · most useful
usefulness noun — The quality of serving a practical purpose.
usefully adverb — In a way that meets a need.