adapt
uh-DAPT
/əˈdæpt/
To modify oneself or one's behavior to suit new conditions or environments.
Refers to structural or behavioral changes made to survive or thrive in altered circumstances.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'adaptare', composed of 'ad-' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit), coming from 'aptus' meaning joined or fitted. It entered Middle French and English in the 15th century, capturing the idea of reshaping something so it fits perfectly into place.
Word relationships
- adjust: Adjust implies minor tweaks, while adapt often involves significant structural change.
- acclimate: Acclimate specifically refers to physiological or climate adjustments.
- resist: Resist means opposing change rather than modifying to fit it.
Commonly confused with
- adopt: Adopt means to take on something new, while adapt means to adjust to new conditions.
Word family
- adaptation (noun): The process of modifying to suit new conditions.
- adaptable (adjective): Able to adjust easily.
Collocations
- adapt to climate change
- adapt quickly
- adapt strategy
- fail to adapt
Idioms & expressions
- adapt or die
Example sentences
- "Coastal cities must adapt to rising sea levels by constructing resilient seawalls." Climate policy
- "Species that fail to adapt to changing temperatures risk eventual extinction." Evolutionary biology
Memory hook
ADAPT = ADD APTitude to fit a new situation. Adapt means getting fitted for change.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'adopt' (to choose or take up something).
Fun facts
- In biological terms, adaptation can take millions of years, but climate adaptation strategies must happen in years.
Related words
Explore more words
adaptability, adaptable, adaptive, adaptation, acclimatize, accommodate
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