Word
personalize
Phoneticsper·son·al·ize, stress on the first syllable
/ˈpɝsənəˌɫaɪz/
Definition
v. to change something so that it fits a specific person's needs or taste. You do this to make an object or a service feel more special or private.
v. to design or modify something to meet an individual's specific requirements or preferences. Often refers to the customisation of consumer goods or digital interfaces.
Examples
“You can personalize your phone case with your own photos.”
“The software allows users to personalize their dashboard so they only see the data that matters to them.”
“Modern marketing strategies increasingly rely on data analytics to personalize advertisements, ensuring that consumers receive offers tailored to their specific browsing habits and purchasing history.”
Examples
simple
“You can personalize your phone case with your own photos.”
contextual
“The software allows users to personalize their dashboard so they only see the data that matters to them.”
complex
“Modern marketing strategies increasingly rely on data analytics to personalize advertisements, ensuring that consumers receive offers tailored to their specific browsing habits and purchasing history.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “personalize” in context.
Verb
01. easily personalize
“You can easily personalize your profile page with a few clicks.”
adv + verb
02. fully personalize
“The software allows users to fully personalize their dashboard layout.”
adv + verb
Noun
03. personalize experience
“Retailers use data to personalize the shopping experience for every customer.”
verb + noun
04. personalize gift
“You can personalize the gift by engraving a name on the back.”
verb + noun
05. personalize service
“We aim to personalize our service to meet your specific requirements.”
verb + noun
06. personalize setting
“Go to the menu to personalize your notification settings.”
verb + noun
07. highly personalized approach
“The clinic offers a highly personalized approach to patient care.”
08. personalize to your needs
“The training program can be personalized to your specific needs.”
09. personalize with a logo
“All corporate stationery can be personalized with your company logo.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Pitfall
I want to personal my car
I want to personalize my car
Learners sometimes use the adjective 'personal' instead of the verb 'personalize' when describing the act of customizing something.
Real-World Examples
“At Cleveland Clinic we personalize your treatment to match your needs.” “More adjustable options allow you to personalize your experience and exercise greater control over your hair.” “A new study by two British journalism professors tracked the growth in personalized news at eleven media organzations since 2007.” Etymology
From personal + -ize.
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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/personalize