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)

Other Word Forms

• misadjust verb
• overadjust verb
• preadjust verb (used with object)
• self-adjusting adjective
• adjustable adjective
• adjustably adverb
• adjuster noun

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

What is even more sobering is that these large, flowing bodies of ice can take decades to fully adjust to the rapidly warming climate.

From BBC

But as you get older, you kind of have to adjust a little bit.

From Los Angeles Times

The petitioners welcomed the ruling, while legal experts warned that the decision would have far-reaching implications for employers, who will need to adjust their current leave policies to comply with the judgement.

From BBC

The action is naturally adjusted for modern technology — of course, one of the attractions of the earlier and period series is that there is none.

From Los Angeles Times

The aim is to help children adjust to mainstream classes with short-term support from specialist staff.

From BBC

Related Words

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

When To Use

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.