Utilize
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To put to a utilitarian purpose. To make use of. To find a practical use for. To make do with something not normally used for the purpose. To use to its fullest extent, potential, or ability. To take advantage of.
Example sentence: You cannot add more minutes to the day, but you can utilize each one to the fullest.
Apply
Part of speech: verb
Definition: To lay or place; to put or adjust (one thing to another);—with to; as, to apply the hand to the breast; to apply medicaments to a diseased part of the body.To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case; to appropriate; to devote; as, to apply money to the payment of a debt.To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relative; as, to apply the testimony to the case; to apply an epithet to a person.To fix closely; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention; to attach; to incline.To betake; to address; to refer;—used reflexively.To submit oneself as a candidate for.To pertain or be relevant to a specified individual or group.
Example sentence: I've learned from experience that if you work harder at it, and apply more energy and time to it, and more consistency, you get a better result. It comes from the work.