tailor
To adapt or customize something to specific needs
Examples
In a meeting
“We'll tailor the presentation to address each client's concerns.”
Over coffee
“You should tailor your resume to match the job description.”
Why this word
adapt
tailor implies precise customization to specific needs or audiences, while adapt means general modification to fit new conditions
adjust
tailor suggests careful, deliberate customization for particular requirements, while adjust implies minor modifications or corrections
customize
tailor emphasizes fitting something to exact specifications or preferences, while customize is broader and less precise about the degree of modification
Usage tip
Use when adjusting something to fit particular requirements or preferences. Emphasizes personalization.
Etymology
Old French 'tailleur' meaning one who cuts, from 'tailler' (to cut), from Latin 'taliare'
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Related words
improvise
Create or solve spontaneously without preparation
customize
Modify something to suit particular needs or preferences
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.