[Rushmore]

[ QUOTE ]
My Professional Writing professor made a point of mentioning how "utilize" is a completely worhtless word. It means exactly the same thing as "use". It just sounds fancier.

She thought people who used "utilize" were confused as to how to properly use the English language.

[/ QUOTE ]

Your "Professional Writing professor" was wrong.

The verb form of the word use simply means to employ, regardless of the general efficiency of said employment.

The word utilize, on the other hand, has a connotation which clearly involves proper employment.

Think utilitarian, which obviously has the same root, and you may find part of the subtle difference.

Did this "Professional Writing professor" have a paper thingy with Latin words in calligraphy in a frame hanging on his wall? Did you look at it closely?