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to adapt

to adapt

178 3.2
To change something so it fits a new use or situation
  • verb
  • /əˈdæpt/
translation icon : adaptar
  • Hospitals are having to adapt to their spaces and practices to be able to deal with coronavirus.
  • adapt existing materials
  • adapt an article
  • adapt the instruction

But let's see if we can adapt this famous question.

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Examples

  • To establish trustpolitik on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea should adapt its past strategies toward North Korea.

    Academic text (2011)
  • They need to adapt their business model to attract more customers.

  • But let's see if we can adapt this famous question.

  • And then you have to slowly adapt the way they teach in the UK.

  • So, obviously, we have to change strategies here to adapt to the current situation.

  • The first is having the flexibility to adapt services to meet the needs of individuals.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The standards blending approach can be adapted to the needs and diverse cultures of the school community.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Significant event forms can be downloaded and adapted to allow an in-house structured review of events.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The synthetics act as a second skin, adapting to your body's individual needs.

  • Burberry Auk Company was commissioned to adapt Army officer coats for the trenches.

Synonyms

to change
vsto adapt
1.0

To make something or someone different

is narrower, specifically about making something suitable for new uses
to adjust
vsto adapt
321 3.0

To get used to new conditions like a new place or routine

focuses on altering objects or things to make them suitable instead
to modify
vsto adapt
268 3.2

Make small changes to something to make it more useful

involves larger or full changes to achieve suitability for new use
to orient
vsto adapt
178 4.1

To make something fit a particular group's needs or purpose

is more general, covering making suitable for any new use
to accommodate
vsto adapt
61 6.8

Make something suitable for a new use

means the same general making suitable idea rather than a special form
to reconfigure
vsto adapt
  • Specialized
53 5.4

Change the order or settings of something to fit new needs

covers any kind of change to make something suitable, not only technical
to reformulate
vsto adapt
8 6.1

Express ideas in a new or better way

covers making something suitable physically or functionally rather than rewording it
to recalibrate
vsto adapt
7 6.5

Change a plan or attitude to fit new information

is broader, covering all ways to make something suitable, not just plans
to tailor-make
vsto adapt
1 4.9

Make something to fit one person or a special purpose

is broader, covering general making suitable rather than custom creation
to regear
vsto adapt
  • Jargon
7.3

To change the way a company or team works to meet new goals

is about making things suitable in general rather than reorganizing plans

Phrasal Verbs

99 2.9

Slowly get used to a new place or situation

How Much Change

to transform
523 3.4
to rework
30 4.0
to adapt
178 3.2
to modify
268 3.2
tweak
28 3.9

Surface Forms

adapt infinitive
adapted past
adapted past participle
adapting present participle
adapts third person singular

Etymology

Adapt comes from Latin parts ad- 'to' and aptare 'make fit', and is related to the English word apt. So, to adapt something is to 'make it fit' a new use, like changing a novel into a movie.