# personalize

/ˈpɝsənəˌɫaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/personalize
Updated: 2026-10-12

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I want to personal my car" but "I want to personalize my car" — Learners sometimes use the adjective 'personal' instead of the verb 'personalize' when describing the act of customizing something.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.