tylor
B1Neutral to formal. Common as a profession (neutral) and surname (neutral). Extended metaphorical use is more formal.
Definition
Meaning
A person who makes, alters, or repairs clothing professionally; a specialized craftsperson in garments.
A term used metaphorically for someone who tailors or adapts something to specific needs (e.g., a tailored solution); also a common English surname.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily denotes the profession. As a verb ('to tailor'), it means to adapt or make fit. The surname is extremely common, often evoking historical or cultural associations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Profession meaning identical. Surname usage identical. Verb 'tailor' slightly more common in business contexts in AmE (tailored suit, tailored approach).
Connotations
UK: Strong historical guild connotations; traditional bespoke craftsmanship. US: More associated with retail alterations and customization services.
Frequency
Surname frequency very high in both. Professional term less frequent in everyday conversation but well-known.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[tailor] [something] to [someone/something] (verb)[the] [tailor] [verb] (noun as subject)[adjective] [tailor] (noun)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The tailor makes the man (proverb).”
- “To be tailored to fit.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Services tailored to client needs; a tailored investment portfolio.
Academic
Methodologies tailored to the research population.
Everyday
I need to take this to the tailor for alterations.
Technical
Aircraft components are tailored for specific stress loads.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We can tailor the schedule to suit the trainees.
- The software was tailored for the UK market.
American English
- We need to tailor our marketing to a younger demographic.
- The program is tailored to individual learning styles.
adverb
British English
- The suit fitted him tailor-perfectly.
- (Rare usage; 'tailor-made' is standard adjective)
American English
- The campaign was tailor-designed for social media.
- (Rare; 'specially' or 'custom' preferred)
adjective
British English
- She wore a beautifully tailored blazer.
- They offer a tailor-made holiday service.
American English
- He prefers tailored suits over baggy ones.
- It was a tailor-fit solution for our problem.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My father is a tailor.
- The tailor fixed my trousers.
- I need to find a good tailor to alter this dress.
- The company tailors its products for different countries.
- Savile Row is famous for its bespoke tailors and their exquisite craftsmanship.
- The government's response was not adequately tailored to the regional disparities.
- The novel's translation was meticulously tailored to preserve the author's idiomatic subtleties, a task requiring a translator of rare skill.
- The therapist tailors each intervention to the client's unique psychosocial context, eschewing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TAYLOR sounds like 'tail-lore' - the lore or knowledge of cutting the 'tail' or end of cloth to fit.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRAFTSMANSHIP IS PRECISION; ADAPTATION IS RESHAPING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите напрямую как 'портной' в метафорическом контексте (например, 'tailored solution' — 'индивидуальное/адаптированное решение', а не 'портняжное решение').
- Фамилия 'Taylor' не склоняется по падежам в английском.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Taylor' as a verb (the verb is 'to tailor').
- Misspelling as 'Tayler' or 'Tailer'.
- Confusing 'tailor' (profession) with 'teller' (bank clerk).
Practice
Quiz
In a modern business context, 'to tailor a report' most closely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, 'tailor' referred to makers of men's and structured garments, while 'dressmaker' or 'seamstress' made women's wear. Modern usage is increasingly gender-neutral for the profession, though specialist terms persist.
They are largely synonymous. 'Tailor-made' originates from clothing and emphasizes precise fitting to specifications. 'Custom-made' is broader, applying to any product built to order. 'Bespoke' is a higher-register synonym, especially in UK English for clothing.
Use the pattern 'tailor something to/for something.' The object is the thing being adapted (the product, service, speech). The preposition introduces the specific need, person, or situation it is adapted for (e.g., 'tailor the curriculum for international students').
It is an occupational surname from the Middle English 'tail(l)our,' meaning one who cuts cloth. As clothing was a universal need, the profession was widespread, leading to many families adopting the name. Similar to Smith, Miller, or Cooper.