First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
2
: to reduce to a system : regulate
3
: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)
intransitive verb
1
: to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)
2
: 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
See adjust defined for English-language learners
See adjust defined for kids
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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
Related to ADJUST
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>.
ADJUSTIVE Defined for Kids
adjust
verb ad·just \ə-ˈjəst\
ad·just·edad·just·ing
Definition of ADJUST for Kids
1
: to change (something) in a minor way to make it work better
2
: to change the position of (something) <He adjusted his glasses.>
3
: to become used to <He adjusted to a new school.>
Medical Dictionary
adjust
transitive verb ad·just \ə-ˈjəst\
Medical Definition of ADJUST
: to bring about orientation or adaptation of (oneself)
intransitive verb
1
: to adapt oneself (as to climate, food, or new working hours)
2
: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others
—ad·just·abil·i·ty \-ˌjəs-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ noun, plural ad·just·abil·i·ties
—ad·just·able \-ˈjəs-tə-bəl\ adjective
—ad·jus·tive \-ˈjəs-tiv\ adjective
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