Adjusting: meaning, definitions and examples

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adjusting

 

[ əˈdʒʌstɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a process

Making small changes to something in order to improve or alter it.

Synonyms

adapt, alter, change, modify.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
adjusting

Used when making small changes to achieve the desired fit, appearance, or result.

  • She kept adjusting the mirror until she could see the whole room.
  • He adjusted his tie before entering the meeting room.
modify

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

  • The software was modified to work on all operating systems.
  • He modified his diet to include more vegetables.
adapt

Used when someone or something changes to become more suited to a new environment or situation.

  • Animals often adapt to their environments over time.
  • He had to adapt to the new job requirements quickly.
alter

Used for making significant changes to something, especially clothes or documents.

  • She decided to alter her wedding dress for a perfect fit.
  • The contract was altered to reflect the new terms.
change

A general term that can refer to making something different in various aspects or completely transforming it.

  • She wants to change her hairstyle.
  • The company plans to change its strategy next year.

Examples of usage

  • Adjusting the temperature on the thermostat
  • She was adjusting her schedule to fit in more time for studying
  • The mechanic was adjusting the brakes on the car
Context #2 | Verb

in emotional state

Getting accustomed to a new situation or environment.

Synonyms

acclimate, accustom, adapt, get used to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
acclimate

Used when someone or something is gradually becoming accustomed to a new climate, environment, or situation over time.

  • It took him a few days to acclimate to the high altitude
  • Moving to a new city required some time to acclimate to the different culture
adapt

Used when people or things change their behavior or characteristics to fit new conditions or environments.

  • The company had to adapt their strategy to survive the market changes
  • Students need to adapt to different teaching styles throughout their education
get used to

Informal term for becoming comfortable with new situations or environments through time and repeated exposure.

  • It took her a while to get used to waking up early
  • After a few weeks, he got used to his new job routine
accustom

Refers to making someone familiar with something new through repeated exposure or practice, often leading to comfort and acceptance.

  • She took a few weeks to accustom herself to the new schedule
  • Accustoming the dog to its new home was a gradual process

Examples of usage

  • He was adjusting to life in a new country
  • She needed time to adjust to the loss of her pet
  • The children were adjusting to the idea of having a new sibling

Translations

Translations of the word "adjusting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ajustando

🇮🇳 समायोजन

🇩🇪 anpassen

🇮🇩 menyesuaikan

🇺🇦 налаштовування

🇵🇱 dostosowywanie

🇯🇵 調整する (ちょうせいする)

🇫🇷 ajustement

🇪🇸 ajustando

🇹🇷 ayarlama

🇰🇷 조정

🇸🇦 تعديل

🇨🇿 nastavení

🇸🇰 nastavovanie

🇨🇳 调整 (tiáozhěng)

🇸🇮 prilagajanje

🇮🇸 aðlögun

🇰🇿 бейімдеу

🇬🇪 მორგება

🇦🇿 tənzimləmə

🇲🇽 ajustando

Etymology

The word 'adjusting' has its origin in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'ajuster', which means 'to make conform to'. Over time, the meaning of 'adjusting' has evolved to include both physical and emotional adaptation. The concept of adjusting is fundamental to human behavior and survival, as it allows individuals to respond and adapt to changing circumstances and environments.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,778 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.