lexicow

adapt

/əˈdæpt//əˈdæpt/·verb
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Definition

To adapt is to change shape in order to keep living — the Latin adaptare means 'to fit to', and 'apt' still carries the fittedness. Species adapt to climates over generations; newcomers adapt to cities in months; a novel is adapted for the screen by surrendering the form that no longer fits. The word's quiet lesson is that survival belongs not to the strongest silhouette but to the one willing to revise it: what refuses the new shape forfeits the passage.

Examples

  • Workers must adapt as technology shifts, or watch their skills become obsolete.
  • Firms that adapt during downturns often emerge stronger from them.
  • The novel was adapted for television with surprising faithfulness.

Collocations

adapt to change·adapt quickly·well adapted to·adapt a novel for·the ability to adapt

Synonyms

adjust·modify·acclimatize·tailor·conform

Antonyms

resist change·ossify

Word family

adaptation (noun)·adaptable (adjective)·adaptive (adjective)

In TOEFL & IELTS

Core TOEFL biology vocabulary: organisms are 'well adapted to' their environments, and 'adaptation' is a passage-defining term. IELTS essays on technology and work lean on 'workers must adapt to'; in Speaking, 'adaptable' is a strong self-description. Spelling trap examiners love: adapt (adjust) vs. adopt (take up) — 'adopt a policy', but 'adapt to a situation'.