Crossword Genius

Utilises... Means the same, but with less letters (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

uses

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'utilises' is the definition.
('use' can be a synonym of 'utilize')

'the same but with less letters' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'letters' could be 'es' (more than one E) and 'es' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'us' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'means' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for uses that I've seen before include "Sues (anag.)" , "manipulates" , "Puts into service" , "Operates" , "What an employer does" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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