optimize

/ˌɑptəˈmaɪz/

/ˈɒptɪmaɪz/

Other forms: optimized; optimizing; optimizes

Optimize means to make the best possible use of something. If you optimize your home storage capacity, you clean and organize your closets and drawers to be able to fit the most in.

Before the advent of the Internet, the word optimize was mostly used to describe the act of being really positive about the world, or being an optimist. But today one can scarcely hear the word without thinking about how to optimize a website or make it as efficient as possible. SEO, standing for "search engine optimization," refers to this process of optimizing a website to make it appear more frequently in web searches.

Definitions of optimize

1. verb

   make optimal; get the most out of; use best
   “optimize your resources”

   synonyms: optimise

   type of:

   hone, perfect

   refine or make more perfect or effective
2. verb

   modify to achieve maximum efficiency in storage capacity or time or cost
   “optimize a computer program”

   synonyms: optimise

   type of:

   modify

   make less severe or harsh or extreme
3. verb

   act as an optimist and take a sunny view of the world
   synonyms: optimise

   type of:

   act, behave, do

   behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself