adjust

[ uh-juhst ]

verb (used with object)

1. to change (something) so that it fits, corresponds, or conforms; adapt; accommodate:

   to adjust expenses to income.

2. to put in good working order; regulate; bring to a proper state or position:

   to adjust an instrument.

   Synonyms: fix, repair, set

3. to settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result:

   to adjust our differences.

   Synonyms: reconcile, rectify, arrange

4. Insurance. to determine the amount to be paid in settlement of (a claim).
5. to systematize.
6. Military. to correct the elevation or deflection of (a gun).

verb (used without object)

1. to adapt oneself; become adapted:

   They had no problems in adjusting at the new school.

adjust

/ əˈdʒʌst /

verb

1. tr to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulate

   to adjust the television

2. to adapt, as to a new environment, etc
3. tr to put into order
4. tr insurance to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)

Derived Forms

• adˈjustable, adjective
• adˈjustably, adverb
• adˈjuster, noun

Other Words From

• misad·just verb
• over·ad·just verb
• pread·just verb (used with object)
• self-ad·justing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjust¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ajusten, from Anglo-French ajuster, Old French aj(o)uster “to make conform to,” verb derivative (with a- a- ⁵ ) of juste “right” ( just ¹ ), influenced in sense by ajoster, ajouter “to add,” from Late Latin adjuxtāre ( ad-, joust )

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjust¹

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

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

UC will adjust its plan depending on what the state ultimately enacts in June.

From Los Angeles Times

"They could have driven through the same place every day for, realistically, up to 14 days before they have to receive a notification from police that they’ve committed an offence, and by this time they’ve committed all these offences without having the opportunity to adjust their manner of driving."

From BBC

Ms Ashworth added "common sense would suggest" people would learn from accruing points on their licence and adjust their behaviour, but added other factors could lead to high numbers of points where courts "look favourably" on the driver.

From BBC

It had taken her a while to adjust to, and embrace, life in the park.

From Los Angeles Times

Another key challenge, he notes, is cultural: Vistara's agile employees may struggle to adjust to Air India's complex bureaucracy and systems.

From BBC

Related Words

• accommodate
• accustom
• adapt
• alter
• conform
• fine-tune
• fix
• modify
• regulate
• tailor