optimize

Definitions

optim (best) + -ize (to make) = 'to make best.' To optimize is to take something that already works and tune it toward its best possible state. Once a dry technical verb, it spread with computing ('optimize the code'), web marketing ('search engine optimization'), and productivity culture ('optimize your routine').

Common Collocations

• 1.optimize performance优化性能
• 2.optimize for search为搜索而优化
• 3.optimize resources优化资源
• 4.optimize efficiency优化效率
• 5.optimize workflow优化工作流程

Example Sentences

• 1.

  We rewrote the database queries to optimize the app's loading speed.

• 2.

  The diet plan is designed to optimize your energy throughout the day.

• 3.

  Marketers optimize landing pages to convert more visitors into buyers.

Easily Confused

optimize vs improve — improve makes something better; optimize pushes it toward the best possible. You can improve a process many times; you optimize it when you tune it to its peak. Strictly, you can't 'optimize something a little' — the word implies reaching for the maximum.