Adaptation: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒฑ
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adaptation

 

[ หŒรฆd.ษ™pหˆteษช.สƒษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in nature

The process through which an organism changes over time in response to changes in its environment, allowing it to better survive and reproduce.

Synonyms

adjustment, evolution, modification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adaptation

Best used in contexts related to biology, literature, or film when referring to changes made to suit a new situation.

  • The film adaptation of the novel was a big hit
  • The adaptation of species to different environments is a key concept in evolution
adjustment

Perfect when referring to small changes made to improve functionality or comfort.

  • She made a slight adjustment to the settings on her camera
  • The workers requested an adjustment in their work schedule
modification

Useful when talking about changes made to improve or alter something, often in technical or scientific contexts.

  • The car underwent several modifications to enhance its performance
  • Genetic modification in crops is a controversial subject
evolution

Ideal for discussing gradual change over a long period, especially in a biological or sociological context.

  • The evolution of technology over the past century is remarkable
  • Human evolution is a topic of great interest in anthropology

Examples of usage

  • Camouflage is a common adaptation seen in many species to help them blend in with their surroundings.
  • The long neck of a giraffe is an adaptation that allows it to reach leaves high up in trees.
  • Animals living in cold climates often have thick fur as an adaptation to keep them warm.
Context #2 | Noun

in literature

The process of adapting a work of literature, film, etc., from one form to another, such as turning a novel into a movie.

Synonyms

conversion, interpretation, transformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adaptation

Typically used when something is changed to fit new conditions or uses, often in creative or practical scenarios.

  • The film is an adaptation of a famous novel.
  • The company is working on the adaptation of its services for a global market.
conversion

Usually involves a complete change from one form or function to another, especially in technical or religious contexts.

  • They completed the conversion of the old factory into loft apartments.
  • Her conversion to a new religion was a deeply personal decision.
transformation

Involves a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character, often indicating a significant and positive outcome.

  • The city's transformation over the past decade has been remarkable.
  • Her transformation from a shy girl to a confident woman was inspiring to see.
interpretation

Refers to the process of explaining or understanding the meaning of something, often in the context of art, language, or law.

  • His interpretation of the poem added a new layer of meaning.
  • The lawyer's interpretation of the contract was different from mine.

Examples of usage

  • The adaptation of the book into a movie was well-received by fans of the original work.
  • Many classic plays have been subject to adaptation for modern audiences.
  • Adaptation of Shakespeare's plays into contemporary settings is a common practice.

Translations

Translations of the word "adaptation" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น adaptaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เคจเฅเค•เฅ‚เคฒเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Anpassung

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ adaptasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฐะดะฐะฟั‚ะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ adaptacja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้ฉๅฟœ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท adaptation

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ adaptaciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท uyum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ ์‘

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชูƒูŠูŠู

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ adaptace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ adaptรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้€‚ๅบ”

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ prilagoditev

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ aรฐlรถgun

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะตะนั–ะผะดะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ“แƒแƒžแƒขแƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ adaptasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ adaptaciรณn

Etymology

The word 'adaptation' comes from the Latin word 'adaptare', meaning 'to fit'. It has been used in English since the mid-17th century. The concept of adaptation is fundamental to the study of biology and evolution, as well as to the fields of literature, film, and art. Adaptation allows organisms and creative works to thrive in changing environments and to reach new audiences.

See also: adapt, adaptability, adaptable, adaptably, adaptations, adapted, adapter, adapters, adapting, adaptive, maladaptation, readapt.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,903, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.