Guide 131 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “Optimize”
A math word soaking through every corner of business writing.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"Optimise" has a precise meaning (find the extremum). Used loosely it means "improve." Prefer "improve," "refine," "tune," or "enhance" — and reserve "optimise" for when you are genuinely finding a maximum or minimum.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
Optimise the onboarding flow for new users.
After
Improve the onboarding flow for new users.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Improve neutral
general upgrade
Improve the onboarding flow.
- 02Refine neutral
small, careful upgrades
Refine the onboarding flow.
- 03Tune neutral
small parameter changes
Tune the onboarding flow.
- 04Enhance formal
add capability
Enhance the onboarding flow with tips.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
True optimisation has a metric and a direction. If you don't have both, you're not optimising.