Efficient vs. Optimize — What's the Difference?

(of a system or machine) achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense

To make as perfect or effective as possible.

(of a person) working in a well-organized and competent way

(Computers) To increase the computing speed and efficiency of (a program), as by rewriting instructions.

Acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense, or unnecessary effort

To make the most of.

Acting directly to produce an effect

To act optimistically or as an optimist.

Causing less waste or requiring less effort than comparable devices or methods. Used in combination

(transitive) To make (something) optimal.

Making good, thorough, or careful use of resources; not consuming extra. Especially, making good use of time or energy

(transitive) To make (something) more efficient, such as a computer program.

Expressing the proportion of consumed energy that was successfully used in a process; the ratio of useful output to total input

(intransitive) To become optimal.

Causing effects, producing results; bringing into being; initiating change (rare except in philosophical and legal expression efficient cause = causative factor or agent)

To make as useful, effective, or functional as possible; as, to optimize the speed of a computer program.

Effective, efficacious

To get the most out of; to use to the best effect; to exploit fully; as, to optimize one's return on investment.

(obsolete) a cause; something that causes an effect

Make optimal; get the most out of; use best;

Causing effects; producing results; that makes the effect to be what it is; actively operative; not inactive, slack, or incapable; characterized by energetic and useful activity; as, an efficient officer, power.

Modify to achieve maximum efficiency in storage capacity or time or cost;

An efficient cause; a prime mover.

Act as an optimist and take a sunny view of the world

Being effective without wasting time or effort or expense;

Able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively;