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 defying expectations is nearly impossible, especially when it comes to adapting a property as universally beloved as the long-running Broadway musical “Wicked.”

From Salon

Vultures are perfectly adapted by millions of years of evolution to detect carcasses across vast landscapes quickly and reliably.

From Science Daily

A dog learns to sit on command, a person hears and eventually tunes out the hum of a washing machine while reading … The capacity to learn and adapt is central to evolution and, indeed, survival.

From Science Daily

"Collectively, weeds are adapting quicker than our ways to manage them. Climate change appears poised to put this evolution on a faster track," he said.

From Science Daily

"To make real progress, we need to look at it as one piece of a broader, more sustainable water management strategy that's adapted to the unique needs and constraints of each area."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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