optimize
UK: /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ | US: /ˈɑːptɪmaɪz/
vt. to make something as effective or functional as possible
vt. (computing) to improve the efficiency of a system or process
vi. to act in the most advantageous way
The word optimize emerged in the 19th century, combining the Latin root optim- (reflecting the ideal state) with the productive suffix -ize. It originally meant "to make the best of," later specializing in technical contexts (e.g., engineering, computing) to denote systematic improvement. The logic mirrors the pursuit of peak performance, aligning with optimum (noun) and optimal (adj).
The team worked to optimize the website’s loading speed.
Farmers optimize crop yields by using advanced irrigation techniques.
This algorithm helps optimize energy consumption in smart devices.
She constantly optimizes her workflow to save time.
The software update aims to optimize battery life.