Adapt — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈdapt/

Meaning & Definition of Adapt

Adapt (verb)

  1. to make fit (as for a new use) often by modification
  2. to become adapted

Adapt (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation

    "it always takes freshmen a little while to adapt themselves to high school"

    similar: acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion, fit, put, shape, suit, tailor
    related: readapt, readjust, customize, gear, match, model, pattern, attune, correct, harmonize, square, tune, establish, root, settle, acquaint, familiarize, orient, orientate, equip, prepare, prime, rehearse, harden, inure, season, toughen, alter, convert, make over, modify, recast, reclaim, recycle, redesign, redevelop, redo, reengineer, refashion, refigure, refit, refocus, reinvent, rejigger, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, transform, accustom, habilitate, habituate, naturalize, ready, train, bend, fiddle (with), fine-tune, phase, register, regulate, rig
    near: misadjust

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Adapt

The most common words with a similar meaning to Adapt:

acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion, fit, put, shape, suit, tailor

Related Words for Adapt

readapt, readjust, customize, gear, match, model, pattern, attune, correct, harmonize, square, tune, establish, root, settle, acquaint, familiarize, orient, orientate, equip, prepare, prime, rehearse, harden, inure, season, toughen, alter, convert, make over

Near Antonyms of Adapt

misadjust

Word Forms of Adapt

Inflections: adapted, adapting, adapts

Origin & Etymology of Adapt

Middle English adapted (as translation of Latin adaptātus), borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adapter, borrowed from Latin adaptāre, from ad- ad- + aptāre "to put into position, bring to bear, make ready," verbal derivative of aptus "fastened, prepared, suitable" apt:1

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Adapt

  • Topics: Common Actions / Verbs

Frequently Asked Questions about Adapt

What does "Adapt" mean?

"Adapt" means to make fit (as for a new use) often by modification. As a verb, it is defined as: to make fit (as for a new use) often by modification.

What is another word for "Adapt"?

Other words for "Adapt" include acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, doctor and edit. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Adapt" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Adapt"?

There are 77 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Adapt". Common alternatives include acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion and fit.

How do you use "Adapt" in a sentence?

Examples of "Adapt" in a sentence: "it always takes freshmen a little while to adapt themselves to high school".

Is "Adapt" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Adapt" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Adapt"?

"Adapt" is pronounced /ə-ˈdapt/.

What is the origin of the word "Adapt"?

"Adapt" comes from Middle English adapted (as translation of Latin adaptātus), borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adapter, borrowed from Latin adaptāre, from ad- ad- + aptāre "to put into position, bring to bear, make ready," verbal derivative of aptus "fastened, prepared, suitable" apt:1. First known use: 15th centuryt.

What is another word for "Adapt" meaning "to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation"?

When "Adapt" (verb) means to change (something) so as to make it suitable for a new use or situation, synonyms include acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adjust, condition and conform.