A couple of blog entries ago, I mentioned two words that I like. Now, here are two words that I definitely don’t like: methodology and utilize. Both are examples of word inflation, and I don’t like word inflation. Why use a big word when a small word would work just as well? Utilize means use – there is no difference and, in my opinion, no reason to ever use “utilize”. Whenever I come across a writer or speaker who has no reason to utilize “use”, I am unlikely to pay attention. The abundant use of the word “methodology” is even worse. Methodology is the study of methods, but most people use it incorrectly as a synonym for “method”. (I’m embarrassed to say that I actually used the word “methodology” once in my recent book Fundamental Principles of Optical Lithography – I am anxiously awaiting the second printing so that I can correct my miserable mistake.)

Small words, when conveying the proper meaning, are always more effect at that conveyance. Big words, when used to impress, have the exact opposite effect on me. Trust me – if you utilize this methodology, you can’t go wrong.