adaptation
ad-ap-TAY-shun
/ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/
The process of changing to suit different conditions or a new environment.
In climate policy, adaptation refers to adjustments in social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'ad' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit). It literally means 'to fit to'. It was popularized by Charles Darwin in 'On the Origin of Species' to describe how species change over generations to survive in their environments.
Word relationships
- adjustment: Usually implies a smaller, less fundamental change than adaptation.
- modification: A change made to something, often to improve it or make it less extreme.
- stagnation: The state of not flowing or moving; lack of activity or growth.
- inflexibility: The quality of being unwilling to change or compromise.
Commonly confused with
- mitigation: Mitigation tries to stop the change; adaptation tries to live with the change.
Word family
- adapt (verb): To make suitable to requirements or conditions.
- adaptive (adjective): Characterized by or given to adaptation.
Collocations
- climate adaptation
- strategy for adaptation
- evolutionary adaptation
- cultural adaptation
Example sentences
- "The thick fur of the polar bear is an evolutionary adaptation to the extreme cold of the Arctic." Biology
- "Adaptation to climate change is no longer an option but a necessity for low-lying island nations." Climate Policy
Memory hook
Think of an 'adapter' plug that allows you to 'fit' your electronics into a different country's wall socket. Adaptation is 'fitting' into a new world.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'adoption' (taking something as one's own).
Fun facts
- The 'Adaptation Fund' is a real international fund that finances projects that help developing countries cope with climate change.
- In literature, a 'film adaptation' is a book 'fitted' into the format of a movie.
Related words
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