adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

Say it: uh-JUST

1. verb To alter something slightly to make it fit, work correctly, or be more suitable.
She adjusted the rearview mirror before driving away.
2. verb To become accustomed to a new condition or environment.
It took a while for my eyes to adjust to the darkness.
3. verb To assess and determine the amount to be paid for a loss or claim, especially in insurance.
The insurance company sent an agent to adjust the claim for the fire damage.

📖 Seen in the wild

It took some time for him to adjust to the new time zone.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ adjust in a sentence

You might need to adjust your strategy as the project progresses.
The children are finding it hard to adjust to their new school.
The chef adjusted the seasoning just before the dish was served.
After the merger, employees had to adjust to a new corporate culture.
Can you help me adjust the height of this office chair?
The government announced it would adjust interest rates to control inflation.
He paused for a moment to adjust his glasses and clear his throat.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

adapt alter modify tune regulate acclimate calibrate reconcile

adapt · implies a more profound change to suit a new environment or purpose.

alter · suggests a more noticeable or significant change than 'adjust'.

modify · often means to make a minor change to improve something.

tune · refers to making small, precise changes for optimal performance.

Opposites: disarrange, unsettle, misalign, freeze, maintain

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'adjust' entered English from Old French 'ajoster', meaning 'to join' or 'to fit'. This itself came from Latin 'ad' (to) and 'juxta' (near), painting a picture of bringing things close together to make them align. The spelling was later influenced by the Latin 'adjustare', solidifying its modern form and meaning.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

adjust the settingsadjust to changemake an adjustmentfinely adjustmentally adjust

While 'adjust' and 'adapt' are similar, they are not perfect substitutes. Use 'adjust' for small, specific changes, like tweaking a setting or getting used to a minor shift. Use 'adapt' for more significant, systemic changes, like an organism evolving to its environment or a company overhauling its business model. 'Adjust' can be used for both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Word family: adjustment, adjustable, readjust, adjuster

💬 Quick answers

What does 'adjust' mean?

To 'adjust' means to make a small change to something to improve it or make it fit, or to get used to a new situation.

What is the difference between 'adjust' and 'adapt'?

'Adjust' typically refers to making minor modifications to something that already exists. 'Adapt' implies a more fundamental change, often in response to a new environment or circumstances.

Is 'adjust' a formal word?

'Adjust' is a neutral word, suitable for almost any context, from casual conversation to formal and technical writing.

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