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Glite Dictionary
to adjust the size

to adjust the size

1 3.3
Make something larger or smaller so it fits
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : ajustar el tamaño
  • You can adjust the size of your images in the document to make them fit better.

Examples

  • You can also adjust the size of the icons to either be a square or a larger rectangle.

    Blog text (8)

  • An incumbent government (represented by a pseudo-independent Electoral Commission) can adjust the size and boundaries of constituencies according to its needs.

    Academic text (1998)

  • How do you adjust the size of the dock?

    Blog text (2)

  • I was able to put my reading glasses away when I adjusted the size to a bigger font.

    Blog text (32)

  • The mechanical engineer must adjust the size and the fastening method of the display cover and the frame.

    Academic text (2003)

  • As my panic attack set in, someone from the hardware store informed me that there are tiny pieces of hardware that can adjust the size of the pendant's opening so the new globe would stay on.

    Blog text (28)

  • She needs to adjust the size of her dress to make it more comfortable.

  • To get a better view, adjust the size of the display on your screen.

Synonyms

to alter
vsto adjust the size
493 2.5

To change something slightly or become different

is limited to changing dimensions specifically, not general changes
to modify
vsto adjust the size
268 3.2

Make small changes to something to make it more useful

is specifically about changing dimensions larger or smaller when necessary
to size
vsto adjust the size
65 3.5

To change something so it fits better

is about changing dimensions to make something larger or smaller when needed
to scale
vsto adjust the size
61 3.5

To change the size or amount of something to fit a standard

is about changing dimensions generally rather than only by fixed ratios
to resize
vsto adjust the size
  • Specialized
11 3.2

To change the size of something, for example a picture or window, to make it fit better

focuses on changing dimensions larger or smaller as required
to rescale
vsto adjust the size
1 5.0

Change the size or units of something so it fits new measurements

focuses on general dimension change rather than matching a new system

How Big

to expand
805 2.5
to enlarge
70 3.0
to adjust the size
1 3.3
to shrink
181 2.8

Surface Forms

adjust the size infinitive
adjusted the size past
adjusted the size past participle
adjusting the size present participle
adjusts the size third person singular

Morphology

adjust + the + size

The meaning 'to change the dimensions of something' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'adjust' (to alter or align) with 'size' (dimensions); the article 'the' is functionally irrelevant. This is a straightforward compositional instruction verb + noun pattern common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will understand it.

Etymology

Adjust the size comes from the simple image of making something bigger or smaller, like moving a seam or turning a knob so a shirt or picture fits better. Adjust means to change and size means how big something is, so the phrase means 'to change how big something is'.