Definition of adapt

Email this page to a friend

< Adana

adaptable >

a·dapt    (-dpt) KEY 

VERB:
a·dapt·ed, a·dapt·ing, a·dapts
VERB:
tr.

To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation.

VERB:
intr.

To become adapted: a species that has adapted well to winter climes.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English adapten, from Latin adaptre : ad-, ad- + aptre, to fit (from aptus, fitting; see apt)

OTHER FORMS:
a·dapted·ness(Noun)

SYNONYMS:
adapt, accommodate, adjust, conform, fit¹, reconcile

These verbs mean to make suitable to or consistent with a particular situation or use: adapted themselves to city life; can't accommodate myself to the new requirements; adjusting their behavior to the rules; conforming her life to accord with her moral principles; fitting the punishment to the crime; couldn't reconcile his reassuring words with his hostile actions.
Antonym: unfit