personalize

American  

[pur-suh-nl-ahyz] / ˈpɜr sə nlˌaɪz /

especially British, personalise

verb (used with object)

personalized, personalizing

1. to have marked with one's initials, name, or monogram.

   to personalize stationery.

2. to make personal, as by applying a general statement to oneself.

3. to ascribe personal qualities to; personify.

4. to design or tailor to meet an individual's specifications, needs, or preferences.

   a personalized search engine;

   personalized learning.

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personalize British  

/ ˈpɜːsənəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to endow with personal or individual qualities or characteristics

2. to mark (stationery, clothing, etc) with a person's initials, name, etc

3. to take (a remark, etc) personally

4. another word for personify

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Other Word Forms

• personalization noun
• unpersonalized adjective
• unpersonalizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of personalize

First recorded in 1720–30; personal + -ize

Explanation

To personalize is to design something (or change it) so it's distinctly suited for one specific individual. You can personalize your locker by taping up family photos, or personalize your water bottle by writing your name on it in permanent marker. The verb personalize is often used to mean "make to meet your specific requirements," so a hotel might personalize your visit by leaving a note with chocolates on your pillow, or a barista might personalize your latte with a design on top that's specially made for you. You can also personalize things by putting a person's name or initials on them: "I bought letter patches so we can personalize our backpacks."

Example Sentences

Shake Shack later this year will launch its first loyalty program, integrating across platforms to personalize offers and boost customer engagement.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

When you personalize it — when the victims are people who look like you, your neighbors, the people you see at the restaurant or supermarket — it becomes more real.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

"The results could help clinicians personalize heart disease prevention strategies in the future."

From Science Daily • Feb. 4, 2026

The company talked of using technology to better understand shoppers and personalize service.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

And we all know how successful Strunk and White were in forbidding to personalize, to contact, and six people.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Related Words

• illustrate