adjust

[ uh-juhst ]

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.

   Synonyms: fix, repair, set

3. to settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result:

   to adjust our differences.

   Synonyms: reconcile, rectify, arrange

4. Insurance. to determine the amount to be paid in settlement of (a claim).
5. to systematize.
6. 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.

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
3. tr to put into order
4. tr insurance to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)

Derived Forms

• adˈjustable, adjective
• adˈjustably, adverb
• adˈjuster, noun

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjust¹

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” ( just ¹ ), influenced in sense by ajoster, ajouter “to add,” from Late Latin adjuxtāre ( ad-, joust )

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjust¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

After a hit, they would adjust the search to the most likely route from there.

From The Daily Beast

How the polling firms and the media adjust to new realities also seems to be a rather long arc.

From The Daily Beast

Have a plan but be flexible and adjust to emerging realities.

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

Attending a Mile High event is akin to being abruptly thrown into an ongoing play and having to adjust your behavior accordingly.

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

If the law attempted to adjust these cases, many more courts would be needed than now exist.

From Project Gutenberg

She was endeavoring to adjust the bunch of violets which had become loose from its fastening in her hair.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate why could not women be kept out of it and let men adjust their quarrel with the stern arbitrament of sword and gun!

From Project Gutenberg

Spitzhase had begun to feel very uncomfortable, for now the miner proceeded to adjust the glass helmet to his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accommodate
• accustom
• adapt
• alter
• conform
• fine-tune
• fix
• modify
• regulate
• tailor