Individualize: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'individualize' when you want to make something unique to a person, often with a focus on specific needs or preferences.

• The teacher tried to individualize her lessons to cater to each student's learning style.
• Health professionals often individualize treatment plans to suit each patient.

Select 'personalize' for adding a personal touch, often to make something more suitable for individual preferences or enjoyable.

• I decided to personalize my workspace with photos and decorations.
• You can personalize the gift by engraving their name on it.

Choose 'customize' when you need to modify something according to specific requirements, often in a more general or functional sense.

• You can customize your car’s features before purchase.
• The app allows you to customize the interface to better suit your needs.

Opt for 'tailor' when you want to shape or adjust something specifically for a particular person or purpose, often implying a more precise or skilled adjustment.

• The marketing strategy was tailored to attract young adults.
• She had her jacket tailored to fit her perfectly.

Use when talking about making something unique or tailored to specific needs or characteristics, often pertaining to personalized services or products.

• The teacher tried to individualize the learning plan for each student.
• The company offers individualized training programs to meet each employee's needs.

Used when recognizing or identifying differences between things that may seem similar, often requiring careful observation or thought.

• She can distinguish between hundreds of different types of wines.
• The artist's style is easily distinguishable from his contemporaries.

Utilized when highlighting the differences between two or more things, especially in terms of features, qualities, or functions.

• It can be difficult to differentiate between identical twins.
• The new update will help users better differentiate between tasks.

Best used when describing the distinctive features or qualities that form the nature of a person, place, or thing.

• Her kindness and generosity characterize her as a dear friend.
• The novel is characterized by its intricate plot and complex characters.