French word

adapter

Pronunciation

IPA/adapte/

Meaning

  • verbadjust

Example

Peux-tu adapter la hauteur de la chaise ?

Can you adjust the height of the chair?

Illustration for adapter (adjust)

More examples

Il faut adapter le programme aux besoins des étudiants.

The program has to be adapted to the students' needs.

Core concept

A form or setting reshaped so it fits a different user or situation.

Common phrases

  • adapter quelque chose à quelque chose

    adapt something to something

  • adapter la hauteur

    adjust the height

  • adapter le volume

    adjust the volume

Similar words

ajuster: Make small changes to a position or level until it is correct.
s'adapter: Change one's way of acting or state to fit the surroundings or people involved.
régler: Set a device or control to the required condition.

Definition in French

Faire en sorte qu'un objet, une règle ou un comportement convienne mieux à une situation ou à une personne en le modifiant.

Word origin

French adapter is a learned borrowing from Latin adaptare, formed from ad- 'to' and aptare 'to fit'.

Usage tips

  • The usual pattern is adapter X à Y: X is the direct object, and à introduces the person, use, or situation it suits.

Other meanings

  • adaptverb

Related words

  • adaptationadaptationnoun
  • adaptéadaptedadjective
  • adaptateuradapternoun

Word lists with this word