personalize

[ pur-suh-nl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, per·son·al·ized, per·son·al·iz·ing.

1. to have marked with one's initials, name, or monogram:

   to personalize stationery.

2. to make personal, as by applying a general statement to oneself.
3. to ascribe personal qualities to; personify.
4. to design or tailor to meet an individual's specifications, needs, or preferences:

   a personalized search engine;

   personalized learning.

personalize

/ ˈpɜːsənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to endow with personal or individual qualities or characteristics
2. to mark (stationery, clothing, etc) with a person's initials, name, etc
3. to take (a remark, etc) personally
4. another word for personify

Derived Forms

• ˌpersonaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• per·son·al·i·za·tion [pur-s, uh, -nl-ahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• un·per·son·al·ized adjective
• un·per·son·al·iz·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of personalize¹

First recorded in 1720–30; personal + -ize

Example Sentences

It’s even a kind of love story, if you care to personalize a toy car or a guitar or a pocket watch.

From Los Angeles Times

"So it's a lot more difficult to be a politician who is able to localize and personalize a race. It's not impossible ... but I think it's gotten a lot more difficult in the last couple decades."

From Salon

Drafting your own prenup just means that you can personalize the situation to fit your specific needs.

From Salon

Charlotte Trecartin, founder and owner of CharCharms, which sells water bottle charms and is looking to expand to other accessory categories, appeals to shoppers looking to personalize.

From Slate

“But there are so many little choices within them that you can personalize it that way.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• illustrate