adjust
B1Neutral (used across formal, academic, business, and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To change something slightly to make it fit, function better, or become more suitable.
To become more familiar with a new situation; to settle differences or reach agreement; to alter the mechanism of a device for proper operation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a minor, often precise modification rather than a major overhaul. Often involves calibration, adaptation, or correction to a standard or new condition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In financial contexts, 'adjust an invoice' is equally common. In mechanical contexts, both use 'adjust the settings'.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Slightly more formal than 'fix' or 'change'.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English corpora, but a common word in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
adjust somethingadjust to somethingadjust something for somethingadjust something to somethingadjust (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “adjust your sails to the wind (metaphorical)”
- “adjust the balance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To modify figures, budgets, or strategies: 'We need to adjust the quarterly forecast.'
Academic
To modify a hypothesis or methodological approach: 'The model was adjusted for confounding variables.'
Everyday
To adapt to life changes or alter physical objects: 'It took time to adjust to the new job.'
Technical
To calibrate a machine or instrument: 'Adjust the focus on the microscope.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- You'll need to adjust the headlights for driving on the left.
- She adjusted well to life in the countryside.
American English
- Adjust the thermostat if you're too cold.
- It's hard to adjust to the time difference.
adverb
British English
- The screen moves adjustably up and down.
- The policy was applied adjustably across regions.
American English
- The armrest is adjustably positioned.
- Prices were set adjustably based on demand.
adjective
British English
- The chair has an adjustable lumbar support.
- The rate is adjustable depending on the market.
American English
- The desk is height-adjustable.
- We offer an adjustable-rate mortgage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Adjust your chair so you are comfortable.
- The children adjusted to their new school quickly.
- Can you adjust the recipe for fewer people?
- It takes a few days to adjust to a new climate.
- The mechanic adjusted the engine's timing for better performance.
- Immigrants often go through a period of adjusting to cultural norms.
- The researcher adjusted the parameters of the simulation to account for statistical noise.
- Diplomats worked to adjust the treaty's wording to satisfy all parties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JUST judge making a small, fair change to a ruling. AD-JUST.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A MACHINE THAT REQUIRES CALIBRATION ('adjust your life'); ADAPTING IS PHYSICAL ALIGNMENT ('adjust to new surroundings').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not 'adjust a document' for 'исправить документ' – use 'correct' or 'amend'.
- Not 'adjust a person' for 'перевоспитать' – use 're-educate'.
- Beware of false friend 'аджаст' – not a standard Russian word.
Common Mistakes
- He needs to adjust with the new system. (INCORRECT: use 'adjust to')
- Can you adjust the volume more up? (REDUNDANT: 'adjust the volume up' or 'turn the volume up')
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, what does it mean to 'adjust an invoice'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically yes, it implies a minor modification or calibration. For major changes, words like 'overhaul', 'transform', or 'redesign' are more appropriate.
'Adjust' often refers to a specific, concrete change to make something fit or work. 'Adapt' implies a more comprehensive, often longer-term change in behaviour, structure, or function to suit a new environment.
Yes, as an intransitive verb, often with 'to': 'He adjusted quickly to the new rules.'
No. 'Readjust' implies adjusting again, often after an initial adjustment proved insufficient or after a further change: 'After the first repair failed, he had to readjust the mechanism.'