op·ti·mize I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌmīz\verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: back-formation from optimist intransitive verb : to be optimistic < optimizing about the future > transitive verb : to make the best of : treat optimistically II. transitive verb Etymology:optimum + -ize : optimalize : to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible < optimize the distribution of raw materials >