Dictionary.com

adjust

[ uh-juhst ]
/ əˈdʒʌst /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: adjust / adjusted / adjusting / adjusts on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
to adapt oneself; become adapted: They had no problems in adjusting at the new school.
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."
Question 1 of 7
IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
have
be
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of adjust

1350–1400; Middle English ajusten<Anglo-French ajuster,Old French aj(o)uster to make conform to, verbal derivative, with a-a-5, of juste right, just1, influenced in sense by ajouter, ajoster to add <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 FROM adjust

mis·ad·just, verbo·ver·ad·just, verbpre·ad·just, verb (used with object)self-ad·just·ing, adjective

Words nearby adjust

adjunction, adjunctive, adjunct professor, adjuration, adjure, adjust, adjustability, adjustable, adjustable-pitch, adjustable-rate mortgage, adjusted
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

MORE ABOUT ADJUST

What does adjust mean?

To adjust is to change something so that it fits or adapts to something else or to its environment, as in Macky adjusted the menu so that it included more healthy dishes.

To adjust is also to fix or put into a correct position or state, as in Adjust the radio dial, please, so that the station comes in clearly.

To adjust also means to put into a satisfactory state, as in Laird adjusted the pitch of his voice to blend in better with the rest of the choir.

Adjust can also be used as a synonym for adapt and can be used in reference to people, animals, or objects. For example, if you move to a new city, you may need time to adjust to your new home, learning what’s available and where everything is.

Example: Adjust the speakers so that they are facing the audience.

Where does adjust come from?

The first records of the term adjust come from the 1300s. It ultimately comes from the Old French ajouster, meaning “to make conform to.” When something adjusts, it conforms to a request, its surroundings, or certain requirements.

Adjust also has a couple specialized meanings. In chiropractic care, the chiropractor may adjust certain parts of your neck or spine in order to improve joint movement in that area. When an insurance company adjusts your claim, it determines the amount of money you will receive for the claim.

Did you know 
 ?

What are some other forms related to adjust?

What are some synonyms for adjust?

What are some words that share a root or word element with adjust? 

What are some words that often get used in discussing adjust?

How is adjust used in real life?

Adjust has several meanings related to fixing or changing.

Try using adjust!

Is adjust used correctly in the following sentence?

The schedule was adjusted with no changes.

Words related to adjust

accommodate, accustom, adapt, alter, conform, fine-tune, fix, modify, regulate, tailor, balance, correct, improve, overhaul, readjust, tighten, allocate, coordinate, standardize, acclimatize

How to use adjust in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for adjust

adjust
/ (əˈdʒʌst) /
verb
(tr) to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulateto adjust the television
to adapt, as to a new environment, etc
(tr) to put into order
(tr) insurance to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)

Derived forms of adjust

adjustable, adjectiveadjustably, adverbadjuster, noun

Word Origin for adjust

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

Medical definitions for adjust

adjust
[ ə-jĆ­stâ€Č ]
v.
To bring into proper relationship.
To treat disorders of the spine by correcting slight dislocations between vertebrae using chiropractic techniques.
To achieve a psychological balance with regard to one's external environment, one's needs, and the demands of others.
The American HeritageŸ Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
FEEDBACK