meaning of optimize

To make the best or most effective use of a situation, resource, or system; to make something as good or as functional as possible.

Businesses constantly seek to optimize their operations to reduce costs and increase efficiency.

To optimize the website's loading speed, we compressed the images and minified the code.

Synonyms: improve, enhance, streamline, maximize, fine-tune

Antonyms: worsen, degrade, impair

Etymology: From French 'optimiser', derived from Latin 'optimus' meaning 'best'. First attested in English in the late 18th century, gaining prominence in the 20th century.

Cultural Notes: In English-speaking cultures, particularly in business, technology, and engineering, 'optimize' carries a strong connotation of efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. It reflects a modern emphasis on achieving peak performance and making the most out of available resources, often implying a systematic or analytical approach rather than just a casual improvement.

Common Phrases: optimize performance, optimize resources, optimize for search engines, optimize a process, optimize user experience

Word Frequency: common

Category: general

Language: English

Pronunciation: /ˈɑːptɪmaɪz/