adapt

[ uh-dapt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make suitable to requirements or conditions; adjust or modify fittingly:

   They adapted themselves to the change quickly.

   He adapted the novel for movies.

   Synonyms: convert, rework, modify, conform, reconcile, suit, accommodate, fit

verb (used without object)

1. to adjust oneself to different conditions, environment, etc.:

   to adapt easily to all circumstances.

adapt

/ əˈdæpt /

verb

1. often foll by to to adjust (someone or something, esp oneself) to different conditions, a new environment, etc
2. tr to fit, change, or modify to suit a new or different purpose

   to adapt a play for use in schools

Derived Forms

• aˌdaptaˈbility, noun
• aˈdaptable, adjective
• aˈdaptive, adjective

Other Words From

• a·dapted·ness noun
• misa·dapt verb
• nona·dapting adjective
• rea·dapt verb (used with object)
• una·dapted adjective
• well-a·dapted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adapt¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin adaptāre “to fit, adjust,” perhaps via French adapter; ad-, apt

Word History and Origins

Origin of adapt¹

C17: from Latin adaptāre, from ad- to + aptāre to fit, from aptus apt

Synonym Study

See adjust.

Example Sentences

But even if you did have the chance to adapt them into films, would you even want to, especially after making two trilogies?

From The Daily Beast

In the best cases, they model and teach how to adjust and adapt appropriately.

From The Daily Beast

“We are in London so I wanted to adapt some of the local culture,” Zhang told The Daily Beast.

From The Daily Beast

In the end, it was the ability of the senior non-coms and junior officers to adapt and adjust that made the landings successful.

From The Daily Beast

That our brains would adapt to the novel parenting arrangement makes sense.

From The Daily Beast

We must have motif first, then technique to adapt and adjust expression and to develop facility in the active agents.

From Project Gutenberg

The plan to be followed must in each case adapt itself to the constantly varying needs of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

They adapt themselves to the Quarter and become a part of this big family of Bohemia easily and naturally.

From Project Gutenberg

However, he managed to hold them sufficiently high and to adapt himself to the despised saddle of a girl.

From Project Gutenberg

It was inelastic, incompetent to adapt itself to changing circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• acclimate
• accommodate
• accustom
• alter
• comply
• conform
• fit
• modify
• prepare
• readjust
• revise
• shape
• suit
• tailor