Vocabulary Spotlight

Adapt

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To adjust or modify something to suit a new purpose, condition, or environment.

“Animals must adapt to their environments to survive changing climates.”

Pronunciation

[uh-DAPT]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Adjust
Modify
Accommodate
Conform
Acclimate

Antonyms

Resist
Reject
Oppose
Struggle
Unyield

Related Words

Transformation
Adjustment
Evolution

Word Origin

“Adapt” originates from the Latin word “adaptare,” meaning “to fit” or “to adjust.”

Word Family

Verb: Adapt – To adjust to new conditions.

Noun: Adaptation – The process of adapting.

Adjective: Adaptable – Capable of adjusting easily.

Mnemonics

Think “Add to Fit” – Adapt means to add or modify something to make it suitable.

Industry-specific Usage

Ecology

Species adapt to environmental changes for survival.

Technology

Technologies adapt over time to meet users’ evolving needs.

Business

Businesses must adapt to market changes to stay competitive.

In Context

Adapt is commonly used to describe changes made to suit a new purpose or environment, often to enhance survival, functionality, or competitiveness.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which is a synonym of “Adapt”?

Resist
Reject
Oppose
Adjust

‘Adjust’ is correct as it means to change or modify to fit a new condition.

2. Fill in the blank: The company had to _______ its marketing strategy to appeal to younger customers.

adapt
reject
resist
oppose

‘Adapt’ is appropriate as it describes modifying to fit a new market segment.

3. In which context would “adapt” be MOST appropriate?

Refusing to change
Modifying a product to fit a new market
Staying the same
Resisting a new trend

‘Modifying a product to fit a new market’ is correct as adapt implies change to suit new conditions.