Individualize

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˌɪn.dɪˈvɪd͡ʒ(.u).əl.aɪz/

Definitions

1. To make something distinct or suited to a particular person by adapting or modifying it according to their specific needs, characteristics, or preferences
2. To alter a product or idea in a way that caters to the unique qualities, preferences, or requirements of a single person
3. To customize an item or concept for a specific person, adapting it to meet their singular characteristics and individual preferences

Etymology: The verb "individualize" is built from "individual" plus the suffix "-ize", and the suffix carries most of the history. It traces back through Middle French "-iser" and Late Latin "-izō" to the Ancient Greek ending "-ῐ́ζω" (-ĭ́zō), which was used to form verbs meaning to make something into, or to treat something in a certain way. English took the ending as "-isen" in Middle English and later settled it as "-ize." "Individual" has a more striking underlying idea. It comes from the Latin "individuus," meaning "indivisible," from "in-" (not) and "dividuus" (divisible). So the root sense is something that cannot be cut apart without losing what it is. Verbs in "-ize" typically mean to give something a particular quality, and "individualize" follows that pattern: to make something distinct from others of its kind, which is why it now means to tailor a product or service to one person.

Synonyms: personalize, customize

Antonyms: standardize, uniform