Reacclimatize: meaning, definitions and examples

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reacclimatize

 

[riːəˈklaɪmətaɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

weather

To readjust or become accustomed to a new climate or environment after being away for a period of time.

Synonyms

acclimate, adapt, readjust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reacclimatize

Use this when someone is adjusting again to a climate or environment they were previously accustomed to, often after a period of absence.

  • After spending a year abroad, she needed to reacclimatize to her hometown’s cold winters.
  • Researchers had to reacclimatize to the jungle environment after returning from a long break.
readjust

This is used when discussing the process of making minor or major adjustments to get comfortable again, often after a significant change or disruption. It can apply to various contexts including social, emotional, or physical adjustments.

  • After his recovery, he needed time to readjust to his daily routine.
  • Children often need to readjust to normal life after summer break.
acclimate

Primarily used in American English, often interchangeably with 'acclimatize.' It refers to the process of getting comfortable with a new environment or situation.

  • New employees should be given time to acclimate to the company’s work culture.
  • Pets may need several days to acclimate to a new home.
adapt

Use when talking about making changes to fit new conditions or situations. It can apply to both physical and behavioral changes and is broader than just environmental or climatic contexts.

  • Teachers must adapt their lesson plans to accommodate students with different learning styles.
  • Animals in the wild adapt to changes in their habitats in order to survive.

Examples of usage

  • I had to reacclimatize to the cold weather after spending a year in a tropical climate.
  • After living in the city for so long, it took some time to reacclimatize to the peacefulness of the countryside.
Context #2 | Verb

psychological

To adjust or become accustomed to a new situation or way of life after a period of absence or change.

Synonyms

adapt, adjust, familiarize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
reacclimatize

Used when someone or something needs to get used to an environment they were previously familiar with. This is often used in the context of returning to a place after some time away.

  • After spending a year abroad, John needed to reacclimatize to the local weather conditions.
  • The astronauts had to reacclimatize to Earth's gravity after their mission in space.
adjust

Used when making minor changes to improve function, comfort, or fit. It is often applied to more specific, small-scale changes compared to 'adapt'.

  • She adjusted the chair to make it more comfortable.
  • You may need to adjust the volume on the TV.
adapt

Used when making changes to suit a new condition or environment, often implying a broader range of adjustments. It can be used in various contexts, from personal adjustments to changing a piece of equipment.

  • Children usually adapt quickly to new school environments.
  • The company had to adapt its business strategy to survive the economic downturn.
familiarize

Used when someone needs to get to know or become comfortable with something new. It often implies a learning process or gaining knowledge.

  • The new employees were given a tour to familiarize themselves with the office layout.
  • She took some time to familiarize herself with the new software.

Examples of usage

  • She needed to reacclimatize to her daily routine after returning from a long vacation.
  • After the promotion, he had to reacclimatize to the increased responsibilities.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'acclimatize,' which originates from the French word 'acclimatation' meaning 'to become accustomed to a climate.'
  • Acclimatization first referred to adjusting to temperature or altitude, used by scientists in the 19th century.
  • The process is not limited to weather; it can apply to any change in environment or situation.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people might take several weeks to reacclimatize to their home environment after traveling to a very different place.
  • Psychologists suggest that reacclimatization can affect mood and mental well-being, especially after long trips or major life changes.
  • The phenomenon of 'jet lag' is a common example of failing to reacclimatize quickly, affecting sleep and energy levels.

Cultural Experience

  • Moving to a new country often requires individuals to reacclimatize to different social cues, languages, and customs.
  • People returning from cultural immersion programs may find they have to reacclimatize back to their original culture, a process called 'reverse culture shock.'
  • Reacclimatizing can be a significant factor for expatriates adjusting back to their home cultures after lengthy stays abroad.

Science

  • Animals exhibit similar behavior; for example, migratory birds must reacclimatize upon returning to their breeding grounds after wintering in warmer areas.
  • In environmental studies, researchers look at how ecosystems reacclimatize after disturbances like wildfires or pollution.
  • Studies in human physiology show that reacclimatization to high altitudes can take days as the body adjusts to lower oxygen levels.

Translations

Translations of the word "reacclimatize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reaclimatar

🇮🇳 पुन: अनुकूलित करना

🇩🇪 wiederakklimatisieren

🇮🇩 beradaptasi kembali

🇺🇦 реакліматизувати

🇵🇱 zaaklimatyzować się ponownie

🇯🇵 再順応する

🇫🇷 réacclimater

🇪🇸 reaclimatarse

🇹🇷 yeniden aklimatize olmak

🇰🇷 재적응하다

🇸🇦 إعادة التأقلم

🇨🇿 znovu se aklimatizovat

🇸🇰 znovu sa aklimatizovať

🇨🇳 重新适应

🇸🇮 ponovno se aklimatizirati

🇮🇸 enduraðlagast

🇰🇿 қайта бейімделу

🇬🇪 ხელახლა ადაპტირება

🇦🇿 yenidən uyğunlaşmaq

🇲🇽 reaclimatarse