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

Other Word Forms

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

They’ve planned for two bedrooms, a kitchen and main living area on the top floor with a bedroom for their daughter below, a layout that also adapts to the hillside and their remaining foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

Forensics teams found Burton's fingerprints and DNA on both drug consignments, and the adapted fuel tank.

From BBC

Despite this the business has adapted, with much of it now operating in Cambodia, though it is still prevalent in Myanmar.

From BBC

All of the adaptations for this new series are of books that haven’t been adapted before now.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are not where we want to be but this result will hopefully help us get better. How the players are connecting and adapting are important."

From BBC

Related Words

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