What does personalised mean?
Personalized describes something that has been adapted specifically for an individual rather than designed for everyone in the same way. It commonly applies to services, advice, products, messages, educational materials, and digital experiences: a personalized recommendation reflects a person's interests, while personalized support is tailored to their particular needs. The word is generally neutral and factual, though it can suggest greater attention, relevance, or care. It is also frequent in marketing and technology, where customization is presented as a benefit. Although the standard British spelling is personalised, the American form personalized is common throughout the English-speaking world, and the two are not usually regarded as different in meaning.
adjectiveMade or tailored specifically for an individual person, often by adjusting details to suit their particular needs, preferences, or characteristics.
- Adapted to the needs, preferences, characteristics, or circumstances of a particular individual.
"The service includes a personalized learning plan for every student."
"The company provides personalized support to each customer."
"She received a personalized letter welcoming her to the club."
Personalized turns the general into the particular: a standard experience becomes one shaped around a particular person.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does personalised come from?
Personalized was formed from personal plus the suffix -ize, with the final -d reflecting the usual British spelling of the verb personalize. Personal ultimately derives from Latin personalis, meaning “of or belonging to a person,” which in turn comes from persona, the mask or character formerly associated with an actor. Related English words include personality, personable, and personify, all of which preserve the same Latin foundation.
Related word forms
How personalised is actually used
Common in British and American English. British spelling normally uses personalised, while American spelling normally uses personalized; both forms are widely understood in both varieties.
Easily confused with personalised
Personal means relating to an individual, whereas personalized means specifically adapted or tailored to that individual.