adjust

[ uh-juhst ]
See synonyms for: adjustadjustedadjustingadjusts on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object)
  1. to change (something) so that it fits, corresponds, or conforms; adapt; accommodate: to adjust expenses to income.

  2. to put in good working order; regulate; bring to a proper state or position: to adjust an instrument.

  1. to settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result: to adjust our differences.

  2. Insurance. to determine the amount to be paid in settlement of (a claim).

  3. to systematize.

  4. Military. to correct the elevation or deflection of (a gun).

verb (used without object)
  1. to adapt oneself; become adapted: They had no problems in adjusting at the new school.

Origin of adjust

1
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ajusten, from Anglo-French ajuster, Old French aj(o)uster “to make conform to,” verb derivative (with a- a-5 ) of juste “right” (see just1 ), influenced in sense by ajoster, ajouter “to add,” from Late Latin adjuxtāre (see ad-, joust )

synonym study For adjust

1. Adjust, adapt, alter in their literal meanings imply making necessary or desirable changes (as in position, shape, or the like). To adjust is to move into proper position for use: to adjust the eyepiece of a telescope. To adapt is to make a change in character, to make something useful in a new way: to adapt a paper clip for a hairpin. To alter is to change the appearance but not the use: to alter the height of a table.

Other words for adjust

Other words from adjust

  • mis·ad·just, verb
  • o·ver·ad·just, verb
  • pre·ad·just, verb (used with object)
  • self-ad·just·ing, adjective

Words Nearby adjust

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use adjust in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for adjust

adjust

/ (əˈdʒʌst) /


verb
  1. (tr) to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulate: to adjust the television

  2. to adapt, as to a new environment, etc

  1. (tr) to put into order

  2. (tr) insurance to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)

Origin of adjust

1
C17: from Old French adjuster, from ad- to + juste right, just

Derived forms of adjust

  • adjustable, adjective
  • adjustably, adverb
  • adjuster, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012