Optimize

ˈɒptɪmaɪz

verbmediumVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To make something as good or effective as possible.

ˈɒptɪmaɪz

verbneutralmedium
General

To make the best or most effective use of a situation, opportunity, or resource.

The engineers optimized the engine's performance to improve fuel efficiency.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game. Optimizing is like finding the best way to win, by using all the right moves and making smart choices, like using all the pieces available in a chess game to get a checkmate.

👶 For kids: To make something the very best it can be! Like making the perfect drawing or building the tallest tower.

More Examples

2

We need to optimize our workflow to reduce wasted time.

3

The goal is to optimize the use of available resources.

How It's Used

Business

"Companies optimize their marketing strategies to increase sales."

Technology

"The software is optimized for faster performance on mobile devices."

Health

"Doctors work to optimize the patient's recovery time."

Idioms & expressions

Optimize for...

To design or modify something to perform well or be effective for a specific purpose or context.

"The website was optimized for mobile devices."

From Late Latin optimus ('best') + -ize, reflecting the idea of making something the best or most effective.

The use of 'optimize' became more prevalent in the late 20th century, particularly in the fields of engineering, computer science, and business.

Memory tip

Think of making things OPTIMAL. You OPTIMIZE to achieve the optimal result.

optimise

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written