Word
tweak
US/ˈtwik/
UK/twˈiːk/
Definitions
01to adjust slightly
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
v. to make small changes to something so that it works better.
v. to make fine-grained adjustments to a system, process, or object to improve performance or accuracy.
“We just need to tweak the settings on the oven to get the cake right.”
“The software engineers spent the weekend tweaking the algorithm to reduce latency during peak traffic hours.”
02to act erratically
C2 · Proficiency American English · Slang
v. to act very nervous or strange, often because of drugs.
v. to exhibit extreme nervousness, excitability, or erratic behavior, typically associated with methamphetamine abuse.
“He was tweaking in the corner, looking around like he was being followed.”
“The suspect began tweaking during the interrogation, making it difficult for the officers to obtain a coherent statement.”
03a small change
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a small change made to improve something.
n. a minor modification or adjustment intended to optimize a result.
“With a few minor tweaks, the presentation will be ready for the client.”
“The designer suggested a few aesthetic tweaks to the layout to make the interface more intuitive for new users.”
Synonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in technical or creative contexts to describe minor adjustments.
Real-World Examples
“This year's vaccine has had a few tweaks, including one to better match subclade K.” “The Aiden’s magic touch is that it leads beginners by the hand and allows tinkerers to tweak water temperature and flow down to seconds and degrees centigrade.” “So, go ahead and tweak your coffee recipes.” Etymology
From Middle English twikken, from Old English twiccian (“to pluck”), from Proto-West Germanic *twekkōn (“to fasten; clamp; pinch”). Related to twitch. The drug-related sense may be a blend of twitch and freak.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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