tailor
B1Formal (noun), Formal/Neutral (verb, especially in business/technical contexts).
Definition
Meaning
A person who makes, alters, or repairs clothes professionally, typically to fit specific customers.
To make, alter, or adapt something (e.g., a service, product, experience, strategy) to suit a particular need, person, or purpose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun 'tailor' implies customisation and skill in fitting garments. The verb form has undergone semantic broadening, now common in business/tech to mean 'customise'. It retains a sense of precision and individual fit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The word 'tailor's' (shop) is common in UK English (e.g., 'I'm going to the tailor's'). In the US, 'tailor shop' is more common. The verb's metaphorical use ('tailor your CV') is slightly more prevalent in US business English.
Connotations
The noun often carries connotations of traditional craftsmanship in the UK. In the US, it may be associated more with alterations/dry-cleaning services.
Frequency
Comparably frequent, though the general decline of the profession means the verb may be encountered more often than the noun in contemporary usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
tailor something (to somebody/something)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The tailor makes the man.”
- “Tailor-made (adjective: perfectly suited).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We will tailor our software package to meet your company's workflow requirements.
Academic
The researcher tailored the methodology to the specific cultural context of the study.
Everyday
I need to take these trousers to the tailor to get them taken in.
Technical
The algorithm tailors news feed content based on user engagement history.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The course is tailored to suit mature learners.
- We can tailor the holiday to your budget.
American English
- The software tailors search results to the user.
- They tailored their pitch to the investors.
adverb
British English
- This jacket fits him perfectly, almost tailor-fittedly.
American English
- The service was tailor-designed for our company.
adjective
British English
- We offer a tailor-made investment portfolio.
- He wore a superb tailor-made suit.
American English
- She prefers tailor-made software solutions.
- It was a tailor-fit plan for the community.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My father is a tailor.
- I went to the tailor to fix my dress.
- The suit was expensive because it was tailor-made.
- Can a tailor shorten these sleeves for me?
- Teachers should try to tailor their lessons to different learning styles.
- The marketing campaign was carefully tailored to a younger audience.
- The legislation was meticulously tailored to avoid unintended consequences.
- Her approach is not one-size-fits-all; it's deftly tailored to the nuances of each case.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A TAILOR works with a TALE of TAPE, measuring and fitting clothes to TELL a story of perfect fit.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRAFTING IS SHAPING CLOTH; ADAPTATION IS SEWING A GARMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the verb 'to tailor' as 'шить' (to sew). Use 'приспосабливать', 'адаптировать', or 'подгонять'. The noun 'tailor' is 'портной'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'This program is tailored for your needs.' (Preferred: 'tailored to your needs').
- Incorrect: 'He tailors cloths.' (Correct: 'He tailors clothes' or 'tailors cloth').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common metaphorical meaning of the verb 'to tailor'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, a tailor makes tailored clothing like suits and coats (often for men), focusing on structured garments. A dressmaker makes dresses, blouses, and softer garments (often for women). The distinction is now blurring.
Yes, but usually in the compound hyphenated form 'tailor-made' (or 'tailor-fit' in the US), meaning perfectly suited or custom-made. It is not used as a standalone adjective (e.g., not 'a tailor suit').
No. While the noun refers to a clothing professional, the verb is widely used metaphorically. You can tailor a speech, a diet, a course, or a strategy to fit specific requirements.
'To' is the standard preposition (e.g., 'tailored to your needs'). 'For' is also used but is less precise ('tailored for you' vs. 'tailored to your measurements').