Meaning
Adapt means to change or adjust something in order to suit new conditions, a different purpose, or a particular environment. It refers to making modifications so that something (or someone) can function better in a new situation.
Grammar and Usage
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Verb (transitive): adapt sth to sth → to change something to make it suitable. Example: She adapted the book into a play.
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Verb (intransitive): adapt to sth → to adjust oneself to new conditions. Example: He quickly adapted to his new job.
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Verb patterns:
- adapt sth to sth
- adapt for sth
- adapt to sth
Common Phrases
- adapt to change
- adapt to the environment
- adapt oneself to circumstances
- adapt a novel into a movie
Collocations
- verb + adapt: learn to adapt, fail to adapt, gradually adapt
- adapt + noun: adapt methods, adapt style, adapt behavior
- adapt + to: adapt to climate, adapt to technology, adapt to life
Examples
- Children usually adapt quickly to new schools.
- The software was adapted for international users.
- Soldiers must adapt to harsh environments.
- She adapted her speech to suit the audience.
- The company had to adapt to the changing market.
- He adapted well to life in a foreign country.
- The book was adapted into a successful film.
- Animals adapt to survive in extreme climates.
Synonyms or Related
- adjust
- modify
- alter
- accommodate
- conform
- evolve