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adapt

v.
US //əˈdæpt// UK //ɐdˈæpt// adapt
  1. 1 to modify something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to change something so that it is suitable for a new use or situation.

    to modify or adjust a physical object, system, or creative work for a different purpose or environment.

    Example

    The kitchen was adapted for a wheelchair user by lowering the counters.

    Example

    The engineers adapted the existing software for mobile devices, ensuring that the user interface remained intuitive despite the smaller screen size.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'for' to indicate the new purpose.
  2. 2 to adjust yourself (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    to change your behavior or ideas so you can deal with a new situation successfully.

    to become adjusted to new conditions or a different environment. Often used intransitively or reflexively.

    Example

    It took the children a few months to adapt to their new school.

    Example

    Successful species are those that can adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions, such as shifting temperatures or new predators.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'to'.
    Pitfall
    It took time to adapt at the new climate.
    It took time to adapt to the new climate.

    The verb 'adapt' usually takes the preposition 'to' when referring to the environment or situation you are joining.

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  1. 3 film/book version (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    to change a book or a play so that it can be made into a movie or TV show.

    to rewrite or rework a literary or dramatic work for a different medium.

    Example

    The popular novel was adapted into a successful television series.

    Example

    The screenwriter struggled to adapt the sprawling historical epic into a two-hour feature film without losing the protagonist's internal monologue.

    Usage

    Usually takes 'from' for the source and 'into' for the result.
Origin

From Middle English *adapten (attested in Middle English adapted (past participle)), from Latin adaptāre (“to fit to”), from ad- (“to”) + aptāre (“to make fit”), from aptus (“fit”); see apt.

Word family

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