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Adjust: meaning, definitions and examples

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adjust

 

[ əˈdʒʌst ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

settings

To change or alter something slightly in order to make it better fit a particular situation or purpose.

Synonyms

adapt, alter, modify, tweak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjust

Used when making a small change to improve or correct something.

  • He adjusted his tie in the mirror.
  • Can you adjust the seat height for me?
adapt

Used when someone or something changes to fit new conditions or a new environment.

  • She had to adapt to the new work culture.
  • Animals adapt to their habitats over time.
modify

Used when making a partial or minor change to something to improve it or make it more acceptable.

  • We need to modify the software to meet client needs.
  • The teacher had to modify the lesson plan.
tweak

Used when making slight adjustments to improve the functionality or performance of something.

  • The engineer tweaked the machine settings.
  • You might need to tweak your strategy a bit.
alter

Used when making a significant change to something, especially in appearance or character.

  • She decided to alter her wedding dress.
  • You need to alter this document before submission.

Examples of usage

  • You can adjust the volume using the knob on the side of the speaker.
  • Please adjust the temperature on the thermostat to make it warmer in here.
  • He adjusted his schedule to accommodate the new project deadlines.
Context #2 | Verb

attitude

To change one's opinion, behavior, or way of thinking in response to new information or circumstances.

Synonyms

change, modify, reconsider, revise.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjust

Use when making small changes to improve or correct something.

  • She adjusted her chair to be more comfortable
  • He adjusted the settings on his camera for better light
change

Use for making something different, often in a noticeable way.

  • She decided to change her hairstyle
  • The weather changes frequently here
revise

Use for changing something already written or planned to correct or improve it.

  • She revised her essay before submitting it
  • The company had to revise its budget plan
reconsider

Use when thinking again about a decision or opinion, often with the possibility of changing it.

  • After hearing both sides, he decided to reconsider his choice
  • Can you reconsider your stance on this issue?
modify

Use when making partial or minor changes to something to improve it or make it more suitable.

  • You should modify your diet to include more vegetables
  • They modified the software to fix the bug

Examples of usage

  • After hearing both sides of the story, she adjusted her stance on the issue.
  • He adjusted his expectations after realizing the complexity of the task.
Context #3 | Noun

finance

A settlement of accounts in which the differences on each side are made equal.

Synonyms

compensation, correction, reconciliation, settlement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjust

To change something slightly to make it more suitable or accurate; often used in technical or mechanical contexts.

  • She had to adjust the mirror before driving
  • The mechanic will adjust the engine
settlement

An official agreement intended to resolve a dispute or conflict; can also refer to an established community; often used in legal or historical contexts.

  • The two parties reached a settlement
  • The first settlements in America were along the coast
compensation

Something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury; often used in legal and employment contexts.

  • He received compensation for the injury
  • The company offers good compensation
correction

A change to make something right or improve accuracy; often used in academic, professional, or technical contexts.

  • The teacher made a correction to the student's essay
  • The report needed several corrections
reconciliation

The restoration of friendly relations or the process of making two different ideas coexist peacefully; often used in social or personal contexts.

  • Their reconciliation took place after years of estrangement
  • The reconciliation of these two theories was difficult

Examples of usage

  • The accountant made an adjustment to balance the company's books.
  • The final adjustment ensured that all expenses were accounted for.

Translations

Translations of the word "adjust" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ajustar

🇮🇳 समायोजित करना (samāyojit karnā)

🇩🇪 anpassen

🇮🇩 menyesuaikan

🇺🇦 налаштовувати

🇵🇱 dostosować

🇯🇵 調整する (ちょうせいする, chōsei suru)

🇫🇷 ajuster

🇪🇸 ajustar

🇹🇷 ayarlamak

🇰🇷 조정하다 (jojeonghada)

🇸🇦 ضبط (ḍabṭ)

🇨🇿 přizpůsobit

🇸🇰 prispôsobiť

🇨🇳 调整 (tiáozhěng)

🇸🇮 prilagoditi

🇮🇸 aðlaga

🇰🇿 бейімдеу (beyımdeu)

🇬🇪 გადაწერა (gadats'era)

🇦🇿 tənzimləmək

🇲🇽 ajustar

Etymology

The word 'adjust' originated from the Latin word 'adiustare', which means 'to make straight or right'. It entered the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of adjusting has always been essential in various aspects of life, from mechanical adjustments to emotional and mental adjustments. The ability to adapt and change as needed is a valuable skill in navigating the complexities of life.

See also: adjustability, adjustable, adjustably, adjusted, adjuster, adjusting, adjustment, adjustments, disadjustment, maladjustment, misadjustment, readjust, unadjusted.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,937, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.