adapt

American  

[uh-dapt] / əˈdæpt /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Related Words

See adjust.

Other Word Forms

• adaptability noun
• adaptable adjective
• adaptedness noun
• adaptive adjective
• misadapt verb
• nonadapting adjective
• readapt verb (used with object)
• unadapted adjective
• well-adapted adjective

Etymology

Origin of adapt

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

Example Sentences

Their initial responses of shock and fear have given way to attempts to adapt, switching locations and changing routines.

From BBC

“We are creating a new paradigm for AI: one that adapts to diverse hardware environments and delivers maximum intelligence per unit of compute and energy,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The vast sports complex is one of the few shelters able to take in people with disabilities, despite being poorly adapted to their needs.

From Barron's

And so, the introduction of this adapted offside rule only helps the CPL try to break further into football's mainstream discussion.

From BBC

The travel isn't the only thing the Scots will need to adapt to this summer.

From BBC

Related Words

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