adaptation
adaptation — noun
1. the way a person, thing, or system is altered so it works well in a new situatio
the way a person, thing, or system is altered so it works well in a new situation or environment.
The school's quick adaptation to online classes kept lessons running smoothly.
adaptation to + new situation
Maria admired her grandmother's adaptation to life in a small city flat.
adaptation to + life in place
Without adaptation to colder weather, the young trees soon died.
The factory's adaptation to water shortages saved money all summer.
Kenji's adaptation to his new school was faster than his parents expected.
- adjustment
often smaller or quicker than a full adaptation
- modification
focuses on a deliberate change to a thing or plan
- change
very broad and less specific about becoming suitable
- rigidity
lack of willingness or ability to change
- resistance
active refusal to change with new conditions
文法句型
adaptation to + noun
adaptation of + noun + for + noun
用法筆記
Often followed by to for the new conditions: adaptation to heat, adaptation to city life. Distinguish from sense 2, which is specifically about living things and survival.
常見錯誤
2. a feature or gradual change in a plant or animal that helps it live and reproduc
a feature or gradual change in a plant or animal that helps it live and reproduce in its surroundings.
A camel's hump is an adaptation that helps it survive long dry seasons.
adaptation that helps survival
Scientists study thick fur as an adaptation to Arctic winters.
adaptation to + environment
Webbed feet are an adaptation that lets ducks move easily in water.
The moth's pale color became a useful adaptation on sandy ground.
Sharp night vision is an adaptation for animals that hunt after dark.
- trait
broader; any characteristic, not necessarily one that aids survival
- feature
general word; less scientific than 'adaptation'
- evolutionary change
emphasizes long-term development across generations
文法句型
an adaptation for + noun/-ing
adaptation to + environment
用法筆記
Common in biology. It usually names a body part, colour, habit, or ability that improves survival. Distinguish from sense 1, which can describe any kind of practical adjustment.
常見錯誤
3. a new film, play, television show, or book version built from an earlier story o
a new film, play, television show, or book version built from an earlier story or other work.
The stage adaptation of the novel opened in Taipei last Friday.
adaptation of + original work
Mina's children loved the animated adaptation of the old folk tale.
animated adaptation of + tale
The film adaptation of Red River keeps the ending but changes the villain.
Teachers used a short adaptation of Hamlet for the school festival.
The radio adaptation turned the mountain story into six evening episodes.
- original
the first work that the later version is based on
文法句型
an adaptation of + original work
用法筆記
Usually followed by of: an adaptation of a novel, comic, or true story. The new work often changes scenes, characters, or length to suit a different medium.