adjust

ad·just

verb \ə-ˈjəst\

Definition of ADJUST

transitive verb

1

a : to bring to a more satisfactory state: (1) : settle, resolve (2) : rectify

b : to make correspondent or conformable : adapt

c : to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position <adjust a carburetor>

2

: to reduce to a system : regulate

3

: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

intransitive verb

1

: to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)

2

: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

— ad·just·abil·i·ty \-ˌjəs-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— ad·just·able \-ˈjəs-tə-bəl\ adjective

— ad·jus·tive \-ˈjəs-tiv\ adjective

Examples of ADJUST

1. The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted.
2. I adjusted the volume on the radio.
3. She adjusted the car seat so she could reach the pedals.
4. Going to a new school can be difficult, but the kids will eventually adjust.
5. It's hard to adjust myself to the idea that she's gone.
6. He makes less money now, when you adjust for inflation, than he did 10 years ago.

Origin of ADJUST

Middle English ajusten, from Old French ajuster to make conform, from a- (from Latin ad-) + juste right, exact — more at just

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ADJUST

Synonyms

acclimate, acclimatize, accommodate, adapt, condition, conform, doctor, edit, fashion, fit, put, shape, suit, tailor

Related Words

readapt, readjust; customize, gear, match, model, pattern; attune, correct, harmonize, square, tune; establish, root, settle; acquaint, familiarize, orient, orientate; equip, prepare, prime, rehearse; harden, inure, season, toughen; alter, convert, make over, modify, recast, reclaim, recycle, redesign, redevelop, redo, reengineer, refashion, refigure, refit, refocus, reinvent, rejigger, remake, remodel, revamp, revise, rework, transform; accustom, condition, habilitate, habituate, naturalize; ready, season; bend; fiddle (with), fine-tune, phase, register, regulate, rig

Near Antonyms

misadjust

See Synonym Discussion at adapt

Rhymes with ADJUST

adust, august, blind trust, bloodlust, brain trust, combust, degust, disgust, distrust, encrust, entrust, in trust, leaf rust, mistrust, moondust, piecrust, robust, sawdust, stardust, unjust, upthrust

ad·just

transitive verb \ə-ˈjəst\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ADJUST

: to bring about orientation or adaptation of (oneself)

intransitive verb

1

: to adapt oneself (as to climate, food, or new working hours)

2

: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

—ad·just·abil·i·ty \-ˌjəs-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē\ (audio pronunciation) noun, plural ; ad·just·abil·i·ties

—ad·just·able \-ˈjəs-tə-bəl\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

—ad·jus·tive \-ˈjəs-tiv\ (audio pronunciation) adjective