adjust

[uh-juhst] /əˈdʒʌst/
verb (used with object)
1.
to change (something) so that it fits, corresponds, or conforms; adapt; accommodate:
to adjust expenses to income.
2.
to put in good working order; regulate; bring to a proper state or position:
to adjust an instrument.
3.
to settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result:
to adjust our differences.
4.
Insurance. to determine the amount to be paid in settlement of (a claim).
5.
to systematize.
6.
Military. to correct the elevation or deflection of (a gun).
verb (used without object)
7.
to adapt oneself; become adapted:
They had no problems in adjusting at the new school.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English ajusten < Anglo-French ajuster, Old French aj(o)uster to make conform to, verbal derivative, with a- a-5, of juste right, just1, influenced in sense by ajouter, ajoster to add < Late Latin adjuxtāre; see ad-, juxta-
Related forms
misadjust, verb
overadjust, verb
preadjust, verb (used with object)
self-adjusting, adjective
Synonyms
2. set; repair, fix. Adjust, adapt, alter in their literal meanings imply making necessary or desirable changes (as in position, shape, or the like). To adjust is to move into proper position for use: to adjust the eyepiece of a telescope. To adapt is to make a change in character, to make something useful in a new way: to adapt a paper clip for a hairpin. To alter is to change the appearance but not the use: to alter the height of a table. 3. arrange; rectify; reconcile.
Examples from the web for adjust
  • Being prepared for the change will make it easier to adjust when it happens.
  • Eyes and cameras both have lenses that adjust the path of the incoming light to bring an image into sharper focus.
  • Finally, adjust the depth of cut as described for a bench plane.
  • Midterm feedback from students gives professors a chance to adjust their courses to improve learning and student satisfaction.
  • Bianco would adjust the way corporate earnings are calculated.
  • To reduce the amount of power your computer uses when it is in use, adjust the settings.
  • Life does know how to adjust and is always in a state of fluctuation to the greener side of the fence.
  • adjust your irrigation controller to fit your climate conditions and landscaping.
  • We suggest you make a small batch first and adjust the recipe to your liking.
  • Merino wool is widely regarded as the ideal base layer for its ability to adjust its properties to differing situations.
British Dictionary definitions for adjust

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/
verb
1.
(transitive) to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulate: to adjust the television
2.
to adapt, as to a new environment, etc
3.
(transitive) to put into order
4.
(transitive) (insurance) to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)
Derived Forms
adjustable, adjective
adjustably, adverb
adjuster, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Old French adjuster, from ad- to + juste right, just
Word Origin and History for adjust
v.

late 14c., ajusten, "to correct, remedy;" reborrowed by c.1600 in sense "arrange, settle, compose," from Middle French adjuster, Old French ajouter "to join" (12c.), from Late Latin adjuxtare "to bring near," from Latin ad- "to" (see ad-) + juxta "next," related to jungere "to join" (see jugular).

Influenced by folk etymology derivation from Latin iustus "just, equitable, fair." Meaning "to arrange (something) so as to conform with (a standard or another thing)" is from 1660s. Insurance sense is from 1755. Meaning "to get used to" first recorded 1924. Related: Adjusted; adjusting.

adjust in Medicine

adjust ad·just (ə-jŭst')
v. ad·just·ed, ad·just·ing, ad·justs

  1. To bring into proper relationship.

  2. To treat disorders of the spine by correcting slight dislocations between vertebrae using chiropractic techniques.