First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
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
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Origin of ADAPT
French or Latin; French adapter, from Latin adaptare, from ad- + aptare to fit, from aptus apt, fit
Related to ADAPT
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
ADAPTED Defined for Kids
adapt
verb \ə-ˈdapt\
adapt·edadapt·ing
Definition of ADAPT for Kids
1
: to change behavior so that it is easier to function in a particular place or situation <He easily adapted to high school.>
2
: 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.
Medical Dictionary
adapt
transitive verb \ə-ˈdapt\
Medical Definition of ADAPT
: to make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by modification <adapted himself to the new position>
intransitive verb
: to become adapted : undergo adaptation
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