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Glite Dictionary
to adapt to

to adapt to

99 2.9
Slowly get used to a new place or situation
  • phrasal verb
  • /əˈdæpt tu/
translation icon : adaptarse a
  • Then I was worried I was gonna have to adapt to life as a street person in Madrid.
  • adapt to change
  • adapt to new situations
  • adapt to new situations

I think I have adapted to just not having much time.

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Examples

  • So it's going to be a challenge to adapt to the life in London.

    Harvard University

  • It's been quite difficult to adapt to working from home.

  • I think I have adapted to just not having much time.

    JUST TRISH PODCAST

  • Your body and mind have adapted to that.

    It Never Sleeps (2014)

  • Those who survived have adapted to a new world.

  • The New York Stock Exchange has been slow to adapt to these technologies.

  • So it's, I think it's constantly adapting to this changing world.

  • Are the country's institutions beginning to adapt to what is happening on the ground?

    Harvard University

  • Nonetheless, the IDF made efforts to adapt to the new situation in several areas.

    Academic text (1991)

  • It was challenging at first, but I finally adapted to living in a big city.

Synonyms

to get used to
vsto adapt to
514 2.4

Begin to feel comfortable with something that once felt strange

emphasizes gradual adjustment to a new situation rather than simple familiarity
to adjust
vsto adapt to
321 3.0

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

is about gradual becoming comfortable rather than immediate change
to accustom
vsto adapt to
139 3.6

To make someone used to something so it feels normal

is about becoming gradually used to conditions rather than actively making it so
to settle in
vsto adapt to
132 3.3

To start to feel comfortable and at home in a new place or job

focuses on gradual becoming accustomed rather than the initial settling phase
to settle into
vsto adapt to
41 3.3

Become comfortable in a new place, job, or routine

highlights gradual getting used to conditions over time rather than quick change
to acclimate
vsto adapt to
25 5.2

To get used to a new climate, place, or situation

is broader and applies to any new situation beyond climate
to attune to
vsto adapt to
6 6.5

Become used to a new situation so you feel comfortable with it

stresses gradual fitting in broadly rather than harmony or close alignment
to acclimatize
vsto adapt to
  • US
4 6.1

To get used to a new climate or place

is general and covers adjustment to any conditions not just climate

Antonyms

to resist
311 2.2

Act against authority, rules or change

How Adapted

to adapt to
99 2.9
to acclimate
25 5.2
to get used to
514 2.4
to adjust
321 3.0

Surface Forms

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

Morphology

adapt + to

The meaning 'to gradually adjust or become accustomed to' is directly derivable from 'adapt' (to adjust) combined with the preposition 'to' which marks the target or situation being adjusted to. This verb + preposition composition is a regular, cross-linguistically common pattern and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Adapt to comes from the idea of adapt meaning 'fit' and to showing where you fit. Imagine a chameleon slowly changing colour to match a leaf or putting on a coat when it gets cold; that picture explains why adapt to means 'to gradually adjust' or 'get used to' a new situation.