Reacclimatize: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.