Adapt

/əˈdæpt/

verbIntermediateVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To modify or adjust something to make it suitable for a new purpose or situation.

/əˈdæpt/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To adjust or change to suit conditions.

The company adapted its marketing strategy to reach a wider audience.

💡 Simply: To change to fit a new situation.

More Examples

2

She quickly adapted to the new culture.

How It's Used

Biology

"The chameleon adapted its skin color to match its surroundings."

Technology

"The software was adapted to work on different operating systems."

Idioms & expressions

adapt to

To become accustomed to a new situation or environment.

"He quickly adapted to the new job."

From Latin "adaptare", meaning "to fit", from "ad-" (to) + "aptare" (to fit).

The word 'adapt' has consistently been used to denote adjusting to circumstances, though its specific applications have evolved with technological and social changes.

Memory tip

Think of 'apt' meaning suitable; 'adapt' makes something apt for a new situation.

adptadpatadept

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written