adjust

verb ad·just \ə-ˈjəst\

: to change (something) in a minor way so that it works better

: to change the position of (something)

: to change in order to work or do better in a new situation

Full Definition of ADJUST

transitive verb

a : to bring to a more satisfactory state: (1) : settle, resolve (2) : rectify

b : to make correspondent or conformable : adapt

c : to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position <adjust a carburetor>

: to reduce to a system : regulate

: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

intransitive verb

: to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)

: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

— ad·just·abil·i·ty \-ˌjəs-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ad·just·able \-ˈjəs-tə-bəl\ adjective

— ad·jus·tive \-ˈjəs-tiv\ adjective

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Origin of ADJUST

Middle English ajusten, from Old French ajuster to make conform, from a- (from Latin ad-) + juste right, exact — more at just

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ADJUST

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

Synonym Discussion of ADJUST

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>.