Individualize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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individualize

[ษชnหˆdษชvษชdส’สŠษ™หŒlaษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

personalize

To make something specific or unique to a particular individual, customizing according to their preferences or needs.

Synonyms

customize, personalize, tailor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
individualize

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.
personalize

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.
customize

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

  • You can customize your carโ€™s features before purchase.
  • The app allows you to customize the interface to better suit your needs.
tailor

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.

Examples of usage

  • Companies often individualize their products to cater to the diverse needs of their customers.
  • She decided to individualize her workspace by adding personal photos and decorations.
  • We should individualize our approach to each student to ensure they receive personalized attention.
Context #2 | Verb

make distinctive

To distinguish or make something stand out by giving it unique characteristics that set it apart from others.

Synonyms

characterize, differentiate, distinguish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
individualize

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.
distinguish

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.
differentiate

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.
characterize

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.

Examples of usage

  • The artist wanted to individualize her paintings by using a unique color palette.
  • Adding a signature touch can individualize your creations and make them easily recognizable.
  • He hoped to individualize his performance by incorporating innovative techniques.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In education, teachers individualize learning by tailoring lessons to each studentโ€™s strengths and weaknesses.
  • Many classroom settings now emphasize personalized learning plans to help students progress at their own pace.

Psychology

  • The concept is key in psychology, where therapists customize treatment plans to fit the unique needs of each client.
  • Understanding individual differences is crucial for effective communication and support among diverse populations.

Technology

  • In software, individualization is reflected in user interfaces that adapt to user preferences and behaviors.
  • Social media platforms use algorithms to individualize content feeds based on user interactions and interests.

Business

  • Companies often individualize marketing strategies to target specific customer segments for better engagement.
  • Personalized services, such as bespoke tailoring or custom gifts, have become increasingly popular in the retail sector.

Origin of 'individualize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'individuฤlis', meaning 'not divisible', emphasizing uniqueness.
  • It started to be used in English around the 19th century, reflecting a growing focus on personal rights and identity.

The word 'individualize' originated from the Latin word 'individuus', meaning indivisible or undivided. Over time, it evolved to represent the act of making something specific or unique to an individual. The concept of individualization has been prominent in various fields, from psychology to marketing, emphasizing the importance of personalization and customization.


See also: individualism, individualist, individuality, individualization, individualizer, individualizing, individually, individuals.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,510 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.