Acclimatize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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acclimatize

[əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to new environment

To acclimate or become accustomed to a new climate or environment, typically involving changes in temperature, humidity, or altitude.

Synonyms

adapt, adjust, get used to.

Examples of usage

  • Upon arriving in the high mountains, the climbers needed to acclimatize to the thin air.
  • She took a few days to acclimatize to the hot and humid weather of the tropical island.
Context #2 | Verb

to new situation

To adjust or adapt to a new situation or set of circumstances, often requiring a period of familiarization or habituation.

Synonyms

accustom, assimilate, orient.

Examples of usage

  • It took him a while to acclimatize to the fast-paced lifestyle of the city.
  • After changing jobs, she needed some time to acclimatize to the new responsibilities.

Translations

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Origin of 'acclimatize'

The word 'acclimatize' originated in the early 19th century from the French word 'acclimater,' which means 'to acclimate.' The prefix 'ac-' means 'to' or 'towards,' and 'climater' comes from the Latin 'climare,' meaning 'to slope.' Therefore, the word implies moving or adjusting toward a specific climate or environment. Over time, 'acclimatize' has become a common term used in various contexts to describe the process of adapting to new conditions.


See also: acclimate, acclimatization, climatic, climatological, climatology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,371, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.