Definition

1. Verb:
   • To change or move something slightly to improve it or make it more suitable: The core meaning involves making small modifications to achieve a better fit, alignment, or accuracy.
   • To become more familiar and comfortable with a new situation: This meaning refers to the process of adapting oneself psychologically or physically to new conditions.

Examples of Usage

• Verb (Transitive - with an object):

  • Please adjust the volume; it's too loud. (You are changing the volume setting.)
  • The mechanic will adjust the brakes so they work properly. (The mechanic will fine-tune the brakes.)
  • It took me a minute to adjust my eyes to the bright sunlight. (I allowed my vision to adapt to the new light level.)

• Verb (Intransitive - without an object):

  • Moving to a new country is difficult, but you will adjust. (You will become accustomed to the new environment.)
  • The children adjusted quickly to their new school. (The children adapted well.)

Advanced Usage

• "Adjust to" (phrasal verb): To adapt oneself to something new or different.
  • It can be hard for retirees to adjust to having so much free time.
• "Adjust for": To take something into account and correct or compensate for it.
  • The data was adjusted for inflation to show real growth.
• In a formal or technical context, "adjust" can mean to settle or resolve a claim or dispute.
  • The insurance company will adjust the claim and determine the payout.

Variants and Related Words

• Adjustable (adjective): Capable of being changed or adapted.
  • The chair has an adjustable height.
• Adjustment (noun): A small change, or the process of adapting.
  • Making the adjustment to a new routine takes time.
• Adjuster (noun): A person who assesses insurance claims.
  • The insurance adjuster inspected the damage to the car.

Synonyms

• Adapt: To change to suit new conditions (often used for people or living things).
• Modify: To make partial or minor changes to something.
• Regulate: To control or maintain the rate, speed, or accuracy of a machine or process.
• Align: To arrange things in a straight line or correct relative position.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Adjust to: To get used to a new situation.
  • She is still adjusting to her new role as manager.
• Tune up: To make small adjustments to a machine, especially an engine, so it performs better. (This is a more specific synonym in certain contexts).
  • I need to tune up my car.

Related Idioms

• Make adjustments: To make necessary changes.
  • After the feedback, we had to make some adjustments to the plan.
• Bend/Adjust the rules: To change the way rules are applied in a particular situation, often slightly.
  • The teacher adjusted the rules for the younger students.

Verb

1. decide how much is to be paid on an insurance claim
2. make correspondent or conformable
   • Adjust your eyes to the darkness
3. adapt or conform oneself to new or different conditions
   • We must adjust to the bad economic situation
4. place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight
   • align the car with the curb
   • align the sheets of paper on the table
5. alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard
   • Adjust the clock, please
   • correct the alignment of the front wheels