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standardize

STAN-der-dize /ˈstændərdaɪz/

verbB2TOEFLIELTSSAT

BusinessAcademicGeneral

To cause something to conform to a standard, consistent model or set of regulations.

Standardize implies eliminating arbitrary differences so that processes, goods, or measurements are identical across different locations or times.

The story behind the word. In medieval warfare, a 'standard' was a tall heavy flag planted on the field as a fixed rally point that did not move. Over centuries, the idea of an unmoving reference point shifted from battlefield flags to official weights, measures, and industrial production models during the 19th century.

Word relationships

normalize: 'Normalize' means making something feel expected or regular in society, whereas 'standardize' means making things physically or procedurally uniform.
uniformize: 'Uniformize' emphasizes making appearance or shape identical, whereas 'standardize' applies to rules, measurements, and technical benchmarks.

customize: 'Customize' means tailoring something specifically to suit individual preferences.
diversify: 'Diversify' means making things varied and different.

Commonly confused with

scrutinize: 'Scrutinize' means to examine closely; 'standardize' means to make uniform.

Word family

standardization (noun): The process of making things uniform or compliant with a standard.
standardized (adjective): Conforming to a established standard or norm.

Collocations

standardize procedures
standardize testing
standardize parts
standardize quality

Idioms & expressions

cut from the same cloth

Example sentences

"The franchise decided to standardize its training program to guarantee identical customer service across all global branches." Corporate operational strategy
"By standardizing machine parts, early automakers reduced repair costs and dramatically accelerated factory assembly lines." Industrial manufacturing reform

Memory hook

Standardize sets the single STANDARD flag that everyone must follow. Make uniform according to a set rule.

When not to use

Do not use standardize when you want to encourage individual creativity, variability, or bespoke craftsmanship.

Fun facts

In 1904, the Great Baltimore Fire destroyed 1,500 buildings partly because neighboring fire departments couldn't help—their hose couplings were not standardized and couldn't screw into Baltimore's hydrants.