customize
gb/kˈʌstəmˌaɪz/ us/kˈʌstəmˌaɪz/
B1
English
~ 4900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Modify to fit specific needs
To change something so it is right for your needs or likes.
Usage pattern:
to customize [something] for [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'customize' with 'create'. 'Customize' means changing something that already exists, not making it from nothing.
Synonyms
personalize (Often used when tailoring something to an individual's preferences, especially in marketing or digital contexts.)
|
tailor (Can imply making precise adjustments, often for clothing but also metaphorically for services or products.)
Antonyms
standardize (Means making things uniform and the same for everyone, the opposite of adapting to individual needs.)
Collocations
customize settings
|customize options
|customize a product
|customize a plan
|customize your profile
Themes
business
|technology
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- You can customize the software to match your workflow.
- The company lets customers customize their sneakers online.
- I customized my phone's home screen with new widgets.
- She customized her resume for each job application.
- We can customize the meal plan to fit your diet.
Learner examples
- I customized my shirt with my name.
- You can customize this bag with different colors.
- He customized his bike to ride faster.
- We will customize the plan for your family.
Grammar
Dictionary form
customize
IPA
GB/kˈʌstəmˌaɪz/
US/kˈʌstəmˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
cus - tom - ize (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cus)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: customize
- 3rd Person Singular: customizes
- Present Participle: customizing
- Past: customized
Word family
Forms
customizes
verb
customizing
verb
customized
verb
Core family
Advanced or less common
customizer
noun
customarily
adverb
Expressions
customize to your needs
1/kˈʌstəmˌaɪz tə jˈʊɹ nˈidz/
fixed phrase
Adapt to fit your needs
Change something so it is right for what you want or need.
Examples
- This app can be customized to your needs.
- We offer services that can be customized to your needs.
fully customizable
1/fˈʊli kˈʌstəmˌaɪzəbəl/
fixed phrase
Able to be completely adapted
Can be changed in any way you like.
Examples
- The dashboard is fully customizable.
- Our plans are fully customizable for each client.