adapt
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
(often foll by to) to adjust (someone or something, esp oneself) to different conditions, a new environment, etc
-
(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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The counselors who made her feel truly understood “don’t even have to understand what I’m going through, but they do understand how to relate to someone, how to adapt whatever training they’ve had.”
From Los Angeles Times
The rise of AI is raising questions about whether to adapt or eliminate it.
From Los Angeles Times
Certain sections of DNA, known as "flipped" segments, appear to help fish rapidly adapt to new environments and even split into entirely new species.
From Science Daily
By applying principles from larger-scale robotics such as rigid, compliant and origami robots, scientists are adapting familiar mechanical concepts to the nanoscale.
From Science Daily
Their initial responses of shock and fear have given way to attempts to adapt, switching locations and changing routines.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
