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

His job was to adapt the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” to the big screen.

From Los Angeles Times

Police added the large cordon encompassing several nearby streets remained in place after the blaze was extinguished due to ongoing safety concerns, but this would be continually reviewed and adapted by experts.

From BBC

“He's like, hundreds of years old. He doesn't have to adapt to the times or change his way of thinking.”

From Salon

"I know how I am going to play in the beginning because you have to start with a structure that you know and then you will adapt with the players that you have," said Amorim.

From BBC

This money would be used to help emerging economies cut their carbon and adapt to the worst impacts of rising temperatures.

From BBC

Related Words

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