adapt

a|dapt

W3 [əˈdæpt] v

[Date: 1400-1500; : French; Origin: adapter, from Latin adaptare, from ad- 'to' + aptare 'to make fit', from aptus; APT]

1.) [I and T]

to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes in order to be successful in a new situation

adapt to

▪ The children are finding it hard to adapt to the new school.

▪ flowers which are well adapted to harsh winters

▪ The ability to adapt is a definite asset in this job.

adapt yourself/itself etc (to sth)

▪ How do these insects adapt themselves to new environments?

2.) [T]

to change something to make it suitable for a different purpose

adapt sth to do sth

▪ The car has been adapted to take unleaded gas.

adapt sth for sb

▪ These teaching materials can be adapted for older children.

3.) [T usually passive]

if a book or play is adapted for film, television etc, it is changed so that it can be made into a film, television programme etc

be adapted for sth

▪ Many children buy books after they have been adapted for television.

>adapted adj

▪ She lives in a specially adapted flat.