Adjustment
uh-JUST-ment
/əˈdʒʌstmənt/
A small alteration or movement made to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result; the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation.
Can refer to minor physical changes or to the psychological process of adapting to new circumstances. The latter is more relevant here.
The story behind the word. "Adjustment" comes from the Old French verb "ajuster," meaning "to make level" or "to fit." This word itself is derived from "a-" (to) and "juste" (just, right). So, an adjustment is essentially making something "just right" or fitting it properly, whether it's a physical object or a person adapting to new circumstances.
Word relationships
- adaptation: Often implies a more fundamental change to suit new conditions.
- modification: A change made, often to improve something, but less about personal adaptation.
- rigidity: The inability to bend or be changed.
- resistance: The refusal to accept or comply with something.
Commonly confused with
- change: "Change" is the act of becoming different; "adjustment" is the act of making something fit or adapting to a change.
Word family
- adjust (verb): to alter or move something slightly to achieve a desired fit, appearance, or result.
- adjustable (adjective): able to be adjusted.
Collocations
- social adjustment
- emotional adjustment
- difficult adjustment
- period of adjustment
- make an adjustment
Example sentences
- "Starting a new job often requires a period of adjustment to new routines and colleagues." Describing a new job.
- "The period of adjustment for veterans returning from deployment can be particularly challenging." Discussing veteran's return.
Memory hook
You "ADJUST" to a new situation to make it "JUST" right for you. Adapting to fit.
When not to use
For fundamental changes or transformations; it implies modifying existing elements to fit.
Fun facts
- In psychology, "maladjustment" refers to an inability to react successfully and healthily to the demands of one's environment.
Related words
Explore more words
adapt, adaptive, accommodate, acclimatize, adaptability, adaptation
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