adapt

verb \ə-ˈdapt, a-\

: to change your behavior so that it is easier to live in a particular place or situation

: to change (something) so that it functions better or is better suited for a purpose

: to change (a movie, book, play, etc.) so that it can be presented in another form

Full Definition of ADAPT

transitive verb

: to make fit (as for a new use) often by modification

intransitive verb

: to become adapted

— adapt·ed·ness noun

See adapt defined for English-language learners

See adapt defined for kids

Origin of ADAPT

French or Latin; French adapter, from Latin adaptare, from ad- + aptare to fit, from aptus apt, fit

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to ADAPT

Synonyms: acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion, fit, put, shape, suit, tailor

Synonym Discussion of ADAPT

adapt, adjust, accommodate, conform, reconcile mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another. adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances <adapted themselves to the warmer climate>. adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism <adjusted the budget to allow for inflation>. accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence <accommodated his political beliefs in order to win>. conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle <refused to conform to society's values>. reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible <tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew>.

Rhymes with ADAPT

black-capped, coapt, dewlapped, enrapt, inapt, snowcapped, unapt, untapped

ADAPT Defined for Kids

adapt

verb \ə-ˈdapt\

adapt·edadapt·ing

Definition of ADAPT for Kids

: to change behavior so that it is easier to function in a particular place or situation <He easily adapted to high school.>

: to make or become suitable or able to function <The camera was adapted for underwater use.>

Word Root of ADAPT

The Latin word aptus, meaning “fit” or “suitable,” gives us the root apt or ept. Words from the Latin aptus have something to do with being fitting or suitable. Something apt fits just right into a situation. To adapt is to change in order to fit a situation better. Someone who is adept has suitable skills to perform a task well, while someone who is inept does not.

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