customize
Modify something to suit particular needs or preferences
Examples
In a meeting
“You can customize the dashboard to show the metrics you care about most.”
Over coffee
“I love that I can customize my phone case with my own photos.”
Why this word
personalize
customize means to modify to specific requirements, while personalize specifically means to add personal touches or identity
tailor
customize is broader about modification to specifications, while tailor emphasizes fitting to particular needs like clothing
adapt
customize implies deliberate modification to meet specifications, while adapt means to adjust to conditions without necessarily pre-planning
Usage tip
Use when discussing personalization or adaptation to specific requirements
Etymology
Latin: consuetudo (custom, habit)
Get a new word every morning
One precise word per day. Under 60 seconds to read. Free forever.
Related words
tailor
To adapt or customize something to specific needs
improvise
Create or solve spontaneously without preparation
repurpose
Adapt something for a new use
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
delegate
To assign a task or responsibility to someone else.