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

However, the quantum properties of the fuel would be adjusted for peak efficiency using an existing process known as spin polarization.

From Science Daily

Reframing the definition could also help adjust the policies that support and cover care for adults with the disease.

From Science Daily

The Palestinian official told the BBC that the Hamas negotiators had adjusted their presence in the region and were keeping their locations secret to avoid embarrassment for host countries.

From BBC

Instead, patients and their clinicians need to maintain regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

From Salon

For example, they adjust the stiffness of their muscles when they walk on a more rigid surface.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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

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?

• adjustable (adjective, noun)
• adjustability (noun)
• overadjust (verb)
• adjusted (adjective, verb)
• self-adjusting (adjective)

What are some synonyms for adjust?

• regulate
• tailor
• balance
• fix
• coordinate
• modify

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

• adjustment
• adjuster
• adjustive

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

• color
• position
• schedule
• seat

How is adjust used in real life?

Adjust has several meanings related to fixing or changing.

Be you. They’ll adjust.

— Unkonfined (@unkonfined) July 28, 2020

An ex-Radio 2 host writes…
So thank you all for all the wonderful comments here. Quite moved by it all. I’ve done a daily national BBC show for 31 years solid so this might take a while to adjust to…anyway the new radio show will be announced in January. It will be startling.

— Simon Mayo 🇺🇦 (@simonmayo) December 22, 2018

Life forces us to start over all the time. You either panic or adjust. Choose wisely.

— Skye Townsend (@SkyeTownsend) November 10, 2019

Try using adjust!

Is adjust used correctly in the following sentence?

The schedule was adjusted with no changes.