adapted

Everyday

1. Adapted means changed so as to suit a new use, place or situation («The book was adapted into a film»). tree →
2. In science, adapted describes a living thing whose body or behaviour suits its habitat («Camels are adapted to the desert»). tree →
3. Adapted means got used to something new («She quickly adapted to her new school»). tree →

In the lessons

In science it is a key word: animals and plants are adapted to their environment through features called adaptations (a polar bear's thick fur, a cactus's spines, a duck's webbed feet), which evolved over many generations. In English lessons stories are adapted for film, stage or younger readers. In everyday life equipment is adapted for disabled people. Phrases: «adapted to», «adapted for», «well adapted», «adapted from».

Examples

• A polar bear is adapted to the cold Arctic. tree →
• Cactuses are adapted to live with little water. tree →
• The play was adapted from a famous book. tree →
• The car was adapted so that Grandad could drive with his hands only. tree →
• Ducks have webbed feet, adapted for swimming. tree →
• After a few weeks, our puppy adapted to his new home. tree →
• The recipe was adapted to make it gluten-free. tree →
• Fish are adapted to breathe in water with gills. tree →
• The stories have mainly been adapted or translated by Mrs. Lang, a few by Miss Lang and Miss Blackley. tree →

Note

Regular past: «adapted». Noun «adaptation». Trap: «adapt» (to change to suit) is different from «adopt» (to take as your own, like adopting a child). In science, animals do not decide to adapt; adaptations come from evolution over many generations.