tailor

To make or change something so it fits a particular person or need.

• We tailor lessons to your needs.
• He tailored the suit to my measurements.
• Can you tailor the plan for a smaller team?

How to use it: tailor something to something (We tailor each course to the student’s needs.); tailor something for someone (They tailor their services for older customers.)

Similar words: adapt, customize

Common phrases: tailor something to something, tailor a suit, tailor a course

To make, repair, or change clothing so it fits well.

• She can tailor a suit.
• He tailored the trousers for a better fit.
• We had the jacket tailored before the wedding.

How to use it: tailor something for someone (She tailored a jacket for her brother.)

Similar words: alter

Common phrases: tailor a jacket, tailor a suit, tailor something for someone

To limit something carefully so it only deals with a particular need or purpose.

• They tailored the rule to one problem.
• The law was narrowly tailored to prevent fraud.
• Officials must tailor these restrictions to the actual risk.

How to use it: tailor something to something (The restriction was tailored to the specific security risk.)

Similar words: shape

Common phrases: narrowly tailor something, tailor the law, tailor the restriction

A person whose job is making, repairing, or changing clothes, especially suits.

• The tailor made my suit.
• She took her trousers to a tailor.
• Our tailor shortened the jacket sleeves.

Similar words: needleworker, tailorer

Common phrases: a skilled tailor, visit a tailor, tailor shop