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adaptation
/ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/
The word 'adaptation' is primarily used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of changing to suit new conditions (e.g., 'The adaptation to the new culture was challenging'). It can be used as a countable noun when referring to specific modified versions or creations, such as a film based on a book ('The latest adaptation was excellent') or a specific biological trait ('The bird's beak is a remarkable adaptation').
Meanings
Collocations & Compounds
cultural adaptation
The process by which a person or a group's culture changes to adjust to a new environment or situation.
The novel explores the challenges of cultural adaptation for immigrants.
successful adaptation
A positive outcome of adjusting to new conditions or circumstances.
The company's successful adaptation to market changes ensured its survival.
natural adaptation
An evolutionary modification of an organism that helps it to survive in its environment.
The finches' beaks are a classic example of natural adaptation.
film adaptation
A movie that is based on a book or other literary work.
The latest film adaptation of the classic novel has received critical acclaim.
further adaptation
Additional changes or adjustments made to something.
The design required further adaptation to meet safety regulations.
Idioms & Sayings
the law of adaptation
A principle suggesting that organisms change over time to better suit their environment.
Charles Darwin's theory is based on the law of adaptation.
Etymology
The word 'adaptation' entered the English language in the early 17th century. It comes from the French word 'adaptation', which itself derives from the Latin 'adaptatio', meaning 'a fitting, adjustment'. The Latin verb 'adaptare' means 'to fit, to adjust, to make suitable'. This verb is formed from 'ad-' (meaning 'to, toward') and 'aptare' (meaning 'to fit, to join'). The concept of 'fitting' or 'making suitable' is central to its meaning, whether it's fitting a physical object, adjusting to circumstances, or a biological organism evolving to suit its environment. Early uses often referred to the act of fitting or adjusting one thing to another, with the biological sense becoming prominent later, particularly in the 19th century with the rise of evolutionary theory.