adapt
verb (transitive)
UKəˈdæptUSəˈdæpt
to change or modify something to fit a new purpose or situation; to adjust or become accustomed to new conditions
Example Sentences
It took him some time to adapt to the new climate after moving abroad.
Modern organizations need to adapt quickly to ever-changing market conditions.
She decided to adapt her writing style to appeal to a younger demographic.
Over centuries, certain species evolve and adapt to survive in extreme habitats.
Teachers often adapt their lesson plans to suit the learning needs of different students.
The furniture in the living room can be easily rearranged to adapt to different occasions, whether you're hosting a formal gathering or just a cozy movie night.
Humans have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to adapt technological advancements, harnessing them to improve productivity, streamline communication, and ultimately transform the nature of daily life.
In today's rapidly evolving job market, professionals who can adapt to new technologies and shifting workplace dynamics are more likely to thrive in their careers.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Modify behavior, approach, or structure to fit changing or unfamiliar conditions effectively.To “adapt” means to reshape, revise, or alter something (or oneself) so it remains effective or viable under novel circumstances. It could involve learning new tools, adjusting your perspective, or even changing an organization’s protocol to suit shifting market demands. In a personal sense, adapting often implies realigning your habits—such as adjusting your diet when relocating to a new country, or revising your study techniques after discovering your initial approach isn’t effective. In broader contexts, it can mean an entire business pivoting product strategies when consumer behavior evolves or an ecosystem reacting to climate fluctuations.In everyday scenarios, adaptation can be as simple as switching up your schedule—like waking earlier to handle more tasks when life gets hectic. On a more global scale, scientists investigate how species adapt over millennia to survive in different environments. Sometimes adaptation is deliberate, like learning new software for a job, and sometimes it’s forced by necessity, such as wearing protective gear when a sudden weather event occurs. Regardless of scale or urgency, “adapt” underscores flexibility, open-mindedness, and the willingness to shift course when circumstances call for it.When you decide how to adapt, you might plan in detail or evolve through trial and error. In interpersonal relationships, you may adapt your communication style to a friend’s needs or adapt your behavior in the workplace to mesh with company culture. Whether you’re navigating a new city, adopting a fresh routine, or overhauling an organizational framework, the essential ingredient is recognizing what must change—and then following through. In this sense, adapting combines observation, experimentation, and the courage to leave behind old habits in favor of something better suited to the present moment.
Alternatives
If you want to convey a similar idea without repeatedly using “adapt,” consider words like “adjust,” “modify,” or “tailor.” “Adjust” implies small tweaks or minor changes—like turning a dial to get a clearer signal—while “modify” often points to more deliberate revisions, possibly requiring an incremental or systematic process. For instance, a student might “modify” their study schedule to include more breaks once they realize they’re burning out. “Tailor,” on the other hand, suggests customizing something—like a process or approach—precisely to suit a specific need or context.For bigger transformations, you might prefer “transform” or “evolve.” These terms highlight a more significant shift, often over a longer period. “Transform” typically indicates a profound change, potentially altering the core nature or purpose of something—for example, reimagining an entire marketing strategy to reach a new audience. “Evolve” signals gradual development, reminiscent of biological evolution, wherein iterative improvements occur over time. If an existing product or behavior is morphing in response to evolving conditions, “evolve” works perfectly.In certain scenarios, “reorient” or “revise” may fit. “Reorient” stresses a directional shift or pivot, such as changing your business model to keep pace with emerging technologies. “Revise” focuses on editing or correcting, like updating a document after learning new information. Choosing the right synonym hinges on the context’s intensity and scope. If you aim to describe quick and minor changes, “adjust” and “modify” suffice. For deeper, more holistic shifts, “transform” or “evolve” might be the stronger choice. In all cases, these alternatives echo the fundamental idea of realigning or reworking something to better meet current demands or realities, just as “adapt” does.
Writing
When writing about how individuals, groups, or organizations shift their strategies or behaviors, “adapt” accurately highlights conscious change. Incorporating it can lend a sense of progress and problem-solving. If you’re crafting a narrative, illustrating how a character adapts to new challenges can drive the plot, showing growth or resilience. For example, the hero of your novel might adapt their leadership style to unite rival factions, underscoring both their emotional maturity and keen awareness of interpersonal dynamics.If you’re composing an academic paper or article, specifying how scientists or economists adapt methodologies helps demonstrate systematic improvements in research or theory. Consider pairing the word “adapt” with tangible examples. Perhaps, “Researchers adapted their testing protocols after discovering unexpected variables,” conveys a deliberate response to new findings. In business writing, “adapt” pops up in discussions about evolving market conditions, consumer preferences, or technological disruptions. Provide metrics or timelines if you want readers to understand how swiftly or successfully adaptation occurred.From a stylistic standpoint, sprinkling synonyms throughout your piece—like “adjust,” “tailor,” or “revamp”—can prevent overuse while still emphasizing the metamorphic essence of “adapt.” The key is specifying what drives the adaptation (changing data, feedback, survival needs) and the outcomes (improved efficiency, effective leadership, or creative innovation). That context helps readers appreciate the momentum behind change. Whether you’re describing character arcs, corporate strategies, or scientific processes, well-chosen details about adaptation give your writing an air of thoughtful dynamism, showing how people and ideas progress in the face of shifting landscapes.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, to “adapt” is to roll with the punches or find a comfortable groove in new circumstances. You might say, “I had to adapt to working remotely—my living room became my new office.” This signals the changes you made, like setting up a dedicated workspace or adjusting your schedule. If a friend moves to another country, they might share stories of adapting to cultural norms or local foods.It’s also common to talk about adapting routines—maybe you’ve got a new pet, so you adapt by waking up earlier for a morning walk. In a family setting, you might adapt meal planning to accommodate everyone’s dietary preferences. When you think of adaptability in casual terms, it’s about small, practical shifts that help everyday life flow more smoothly. You might ask a friend, “How are you adapting to your new job?” and they might explain the office’s quirks, management style, and how they’re managing the commute.Social circles or relationships also benefit from adaptation. You learn to adapt your communication style—speaking more gently, perhaps, or cracking fewer jokes—if you sense tension. Or maybe you adapt your plans for a weekend trip if the weather flips from sunny to rainy. On a personal note, “adapt” can simply mean remaining flexible, not letting unexpected issues derail your day. By casually showing that you can adjust, you emphasize resilience and level-headedness, reassuring those around you that change is manageable, even if it requires a moment or two to figure out your new normal.
Etymology
The verb “adapt” traces its lineage to the Latin “adaptare,” formed by combining “ad-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) and “aptare” (meaning “to fit”). “Aptare,” in turn, comes from “aptus,” which means “fitted” or “suited.” In ancient Rome, “adaptare” conveyed the notion of making something suitable for a purpose—reshaping or refining it so it would fit better within a given context.During the Middle Ages, as Latin gave way to vernacular languages, the concept flowed into Old French as “adapter,” and eventually into Middle English as “adapte.” Over centuries, it maintained its core theme: transforming an entity (an object, a plan, or oneself) to better align with new conditions or requirements. This meaning was useful in myriad contexts, from mechanical adjustments to personal and societal evolutions.With the scientific revolutions of the 17th and 18th centuries, “adapt” expanded its semantic reach, playing a pivotal role in discussions of evolution and natural selection. By the 19th century, Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work exemplified how organisms “adapt” to their environments—a concept highlighting the intricate, gradual changes ensuring survival. This broadened perspective seeped into fields like psychology, anthropology, and sociology, reinforcing “adaptation” as a core principle for explaining development and resilience. Today, while we use “adapt” informally to describe everyday tweaks—like changing a recipe or customizing software—it still carries echoes of its storied roots: a flexible, intentional response aimed at making a better fit in an evolving world.