1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To design or adjust something to be appropriate for a particular group or purpose.
"The exhibition is geared towards families with young children, with interactive displays throughout."
inseparable
gear towards
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To design, adapt, or orient something so that it suits a specific audience, goal, or context.
In plain English
To make something point in the direction of a particular person, group, or goal.
What does "gear towards" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To organise or direct one's efforts towards achieving a specific aim.
"All her studies were geared towards a career in international law."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To turn the gears in the direction of — to align the mechanism toward a target.
Actually means
To make something point in the direction of a particular person, group, or goal.
Usage tip
Extremely common in British English, especially in education, business, and policy writing. The passive form ('geared towards') is very frequent. Virtually synonymous with 'gear to', but 'geared towards' appears more in written English.
Words that pair with "gear towards"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
students professionals market audience needs objectives
How to conjugate "gear towards"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gear towards
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gears towards
he/she/it
Past simple
geared towards
yesterday
Past participle
geared towards
have + pp
-ing form
gearing towards
continuous
Hear "gear towards" in the wild
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Other ways to say "gear towards"
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