adapt
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The kitchen was adapted for a wheelchair user by lowering the counters.”
In context“The engineers adapted the existing software for mobile devices, ensuring that the user interface remained intuitive despite the smaller screen size.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'for' to indicate the new purpose.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“It took the children a few months to adapt to their new school.”
In context“Successful species are those that can adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions, such as shifting temperatures or new predators.”
UsageCommonly followed by the preposition 'to'.
PitfallIt 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.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The popular novel was adapted into a successful television series.”
In context“The screenwriter struggled to adapt the sprawling historical epic into a two-hour feature film without losing the protagonist's internal monologue.”
UsageUsually takes 'from' for the source and 'into' for the result.
adapt vs adopt — Adapt is to change something for a new purpose; adopt is to take something new as your own.
Usage adapt to the changing · adapt to her new · adapt quickly
“Marques says understanding how the fish adapts to these new environments is key to developing effective control strategies.”
“Maybe the smarter thing to do is to adapt to it than think arrogantly that you can stop it.” He added: “When it’s a bit warm, let’s enjoy it.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.