Words / C1

HAHN-is/ˈhɑːnɪs/

To harness is to control and use a force or resource: harness energy, harness talent. Use is everyday; exploit (already in the dictionary) can mean use fully or use unfairly. A harness (noun) is straps that hold. Do not harness a stapler.

Meaning

To control and use a force or resource for a purpose.

Examples

• “The city tried to harness waste heat from the data centre.”
• “The scheme harnessed waste heat from the servers instead of dumping it.”
• “A climbing harness is the noun; the verb in essays is capture-and-use, not “wear”.”

Good to know

Capture and use (a force/resource). Noun: straps. Everyday: use. Darker cousin: exploit. Not office stationery.

Near in meaning

use

New