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| v. a·dapt·ed, a·dapt·ing, a·dapts v. tr. 1. To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation: adapted the novel into a movie; adapted the company policy to take internet use into account. 2. To cause to be able to survive and reproduce under certain conditions. Used in the passive: “Every species is adapted to a rather restricted selection of properties of the environment” (Ernst Mayr). v. intr. 1. To change in order to meet the requirements of new circumstances or conditions: The music business had to adapt to digital technology. 2. To become able to survive and reproduce under certain conditions: Hawks have adapted to living in cities. [Middle English adapten, from Latin adaptāre : ad-, ad- + aptāre, to fit (from aptus, fitting; see APT).] a·dapted·ness n. Synonyms: adapt, accommodate, adjust, conform, fit1 These verbs mean to make suitable to or consistent with a particular situation or use: adapted themselves to city life; can't accommodate myself to the new requirements; adjusting their behavior to the rules; conforming my life to accord with my moral principles; fitting the punishment to the crime. |
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