tailor
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈteɪlər/
KK: /ˈteɪlər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To work as a person who makes or alters clothing to fit individual customers.
Example
He decided to tailor after learning the craft from his father.
Tense Forms
Past: tailored
Past Participle: tailored
Conversation
Have you ever thought about what it means to tailor your skills for a job?
Yeah, I think it's important to fit your abilities to what employers want.
Exactly! It's like a tailor adjusting a suit to make it perfect.
Right! We should always aim to tailor our experiences to stand out.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
sew
craft
fit
Antonyms
destroy
ruin
disassemble
noun
Definition
A person who makes, repairs, or changes clothing, especially suits and dresses.
Example
The tailor fitted my new suit perfectly.
Conversation
I need to find a good tailor for my new suit.
Have you tried that place downtown? They have great reviews.
I heard they can really customize things well.
transitive verb
Definition
To create or modify clothing to fit someone's specific measurements or preferences, or to adjust something to suit a particular need or purpose.
Example
The designer will tailor the dress to fit her perfectly.
Tense Forms
Past: tailored
Past Participle: tailored
Conversation
I need to tailor my presentation for the team meeting next week.
That sounds like a good idea! What changes are you thinking about?
I want to tailor it to their interests so they stay engaged.
Root Explanation
Tailor → The word originates from Old French *taillour*, meaning a cutter or one who cuts cloth. It refers to a person who cuts and assembles fabric to create clothing.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who 'cuts' fabric to make clothes — that's what a tailor does.
Visually Confused Words
retailor
betailor
taylor
sailor
bailor