Acclimate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when someone or something is getting used to a new climate, environment, or situation. Often used for new surroundings or weather conditions.

• It took a few weeks to acclimate to the hot and humid climate of the tropics.
• The new fish need time to acclimate to the temperature of the aquarium water.

This word is used when someone or something changes to fit a new purpose, environment, or situation. It has a broader context and can be applied to various scenarios including social, technological, or biological adjustments.

• Businesses must adapt to the changing market conditions to stay competitive.
• Over time, the species adapted to the harsh desert climate.

Used for making small changes or modifications to achieve a desired state or outcome. It often implies a finer level of change than 'adapt'.

• She had to adjust the straps on her backpack for a better fit.
• He quickly adjusted to the new work schedule.

Similar to 'acclimate', but more commonly used in British English. This word also focuses on becoming accustomed to a new climate or environment.

• Mountaineers must acclimatize to high altitudes before attempting to reach the summit.
• She found it difficult to acclimatize to the cold weather after moving from a tropical country.

Primarily used in American English, especially in formal or scientific contexts to describe people, animals, or plants becoming accustomed to a new climate or environment.

• The laboratory mice need time to acclimate to the new temperature conditions.
• It took me a few weeks to acclimate to the high altitude.

Commonly used in British English and scientific contexts, similar to 'acclimate', referring to the process of adjusting to a new climate or environment.

• Mountaineers need to acclimatize to high altitudes before ascending further.
• We must acclimatize the plants to the outdoor conditions gradually.

A versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal settings to describe making slight changes to adapt to a new situation or environment.

• I need to adjust my chair for better comfort.
• She quickly adjusted to her new role at the company.

Informal and commonly used in everyday language, referring to the process of becoming familiar with something new, often implying a gradual or challenging adjustment period.

• It took me some time to get used to the new software.
• He couldn't get used to the noise of the city.