Understanding Utilize and Its Synonym

The question asks for the word nearest in meaning to the underlined word utilize in the sentence: "The HR Manager was able to utilize the specific skills of each member of the team assembled for the project."

In this context, utilize means to make practical and effective use of something, in this case, the team members' skills.

Analyzing Word Options

Let's examine the meaning of each option:

• harness: To control and make use of (a resource, natural power, etc.) for a particular purpose. This aligns closely with making effective use of skills.
• harbor: To give shelter or refuge, or to secretly hold onto a feeling or belief. This is unrelated to using skills.
• harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech. This meaning is completely different from utilizing skills.
• herald: To be a sign or indication of something to come, or to announce something. This does not relate to making use of skills.

Selecting the Nearest Meaning

Comparing the options, harness is the word closest in meaning to utilize because both imply making effective use of available resources or abilities. The HR Manager effectively used the team's skills, similar to how one might harness a resource.