Word
customize
Phoneticscus·tom·ize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈkəstəˌmaɪz/
Definition
v. to change something so that it fits your personal needs or tastes. You do this to make an object or a computer program work exactly how you want it to.
v. to modify something to suit a particular individual or task. Often refers to the adjustment of software settings or the physical alteration of consumer goods.
Examples
“You can customize the home screen on your phone.”
“The software allows users to customize their dashboard so they only see the most relevant data.”
“While mass production lowered costs, modern manufacturing now allows companies to customize products for individual clients without significantly increasing the final retail price.”
Examples
simple
“You can customize the home screen on your phone.”
contextual
“The software allows users to customize their dashboard so they only see the most relevant data.”
complex
“While mass production lowered costs, modern manufacturing now allows companies to customize products for individual clients without significantly increasing the final retail price.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. In British English, it is frequently spelled 'customise'.
Pitfall
I customized to my car
I customized my car
The verb is transitive and should not be followed by the preposition 'to' before the object.
Real-World Examples
“AI offers not only ready access to free legal information that was once hard to find , but also customized solutions to legal problems.” “MySpace: Teens flocked to this early social media site, where they could shape their own identities, customizing pages with music, photos and designs to connect with friends.” Etymology
From custom + -ize. First attested in 1934 in American English.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/customize