adaptive — able to adjust to new conditions or situations; showing or having a capacity for adaptation
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: able to adjust to new conditions or situations; showing or having a capacity for adaptation
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈdæptɪv/
Example Sentences
- My cat is so adaptive that it learned to open the refrigerator door to steal my lunch.
- The adaptive software automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the time of day.
- Plants show adaptive responses to environmental changes like drought or cold weather.
adaptive
ADJECTIVE[/əˈdæptɪv/]
able to adjust to new conditions or situations; showing or having a capacity for adaptation

The adaptive new student quickly became comfortable at her new school.

The adaptive tailor adjusted the jacket so it would fit the boy. (ADAPT + IVE → able to adapt to a new situation = adaptive)

The adaptive hiker was reactive to the sudden rain and found an attractive shelter under a large tree.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'adaptare', meaning 'to fit' or 'to adjust'. The term emerged from the conceptual image of tailoring clothing to fit the body, reflecting the notion of adjusting oneself to circumstances.
Breakdown
ad- (to, toward) + aptare (to fit, adjust) + -ive (adjective suffix), creating a word that describes the capacity or tendency to adjust to new conditions.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat is so adaptive that it learned to open the refrigerator door to steal my lunch.”
“The adaptive software automatically adjusts the screen brightness based on the time of day.”
“Plants show adaptive responses to environmental changes like drought or cold weather.”
“His adaptive personality helped him make friends wherever he moved.”
📚Related Words
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