Customization

/ˌkʌstəməˈzeɪʃən/

nounIntermediate🔥Very CommonProcess
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

The act of modifying a product or service to meet a specific need or preference.

/ˌkʌstəməˈzeɪʃən/

nounneutralIntermediate
Process

The act of modifying something to fit a particular individual or task.

The software allows extensive customization of its user interface.

💡 Simply: It's like making something special and just for you! Imagine you're ordering pizza; customization means you can pick exactly what toppings you want.

👶 For kids: Making something your own, like when you make a drawing the way you want it.

More Examples

2

Websites often offer customization options to personalize user experiences.

3

We offer customization services for all our products.

How It's Used

Technology

"Users often appreciate the customization options available on their smartphones."

Manufacturing

"Customization of products allows businesses to meet specific customer needs."

Marketing

"Effective marketing strategies focus on audience segmentation and customization of messaging."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

Custom-built

Specifically designed and constructed to meet unique requirements.

"The house was custom-built to the owner's specifications."

Customize to your liking

To make changes that suit your preferences.

"You can customize the settings to your liking."

From "custom" (a practice) + "-ize" (to make or treat in a certain way) + "-ation" (forming nouns indicating action, process, or result). The word emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially in fields related to manufacturing and later in broader contexts.

The term became increasingly prevalent with the rise of mass production, when companies sought to balance standardized manufacturing with the ability to meet diverse customer needs. Its usage expanded alongside technological advancements, especially within fields like software and digital platforms.

Memory tip

Think of creating a *custom* fit suit - tailoring it to your specific needs is *customization*.

Word Origin

LanguageEnglish
Original meaning

"A usual practice or habit. The word traces back to the Old French 'costume,' meaning 'custom' or 'habit,' ultimately derived from the Latin 'consuevitudo,' meaning 'habit' or 'custom.'"

product customizationwebsite customizationuser interface customizationextensive customizationoffer customization

Common misspellings

customisationcustomizations

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written