adjust

adjust — verb

1. to move, change, or control something a little so it suits the situation better,

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to move, change, or control something a little so it suits the situation better, works better, or gives a more exact result.

例句

Nina adjusted the mirror before backing the car out of the garage.

adjust + object before using it

The cook adjusted the oven heat when the top of the cake browned too fast.

adjust heat for a better result

同義詞
  • change

    broader and less specific; it can describe both small and large differences

  • alter

    slightly more formal; common in instructions and written notices

  • modify

    more technical; often used for machines, systems, or plans

  • tweak

    informal; suggests a very small final improvement

反義詞
  • keep

    to leave something as it is now

  • leave

    to avoid making any change

文法句型

adjust + noun

adjust + noun + for + condition

用法筆記

Object is usually a setting, part, price, schedule, or plan. English also uses 'adjust for' when you allow for a difference such as age, tax, or inflation. Distinguish from sense 3, which is usually followed by 'to'.

常見錯誤

❌I adjusted to the plan yesterday.
✅I adjusted the plan yesterday.
💡use a direct object when you change the thing itself.

2. to straighten or shift clothes, straps, or other things you are wearing so they

2.動詞及物
釋義

to straighten or shift clothes, straps, or other things you are wearing so they sit better or look neater.

例句

Mina adjusted her scarf before stepping into the cold night air.

adjust + piece of clothing

At the wedding, Daniel adjusted his tie in the hotel mirror.

adjust + tie in a grooming context

同義詞
  • straighten

    focuses on removing twists, folds, or a crooked position

  • fix

    informal; often used for a quick small correction

  • rearrange

    can suggest moving parts around more noticeably

文法句型

adjust + scarf/tie/collar/strap

用法筆記

Object is usually a piece of clothing or a part of it, such as a tie, collar, scarf, or strap. Distinguish from sense 1, where you change a machine, price, or plan rather than something you are wearing.

常見錯誤

❌She adjusted herself scarf before the photo.
✅She adjusted her scarf before the photo.
💡use the clothing item as the direct object, not a reflexive pronoun.

3. to change your behaviour, expectations, or routine so a new situation feels norm

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to change your behaviour, expectations, or routine so a new situation feels normal and easier to manage.

例句

Ken adjusted to life in Tainan after leaving his mountain village.

adjust to + life in a new place

New nurses need time to adjust to the hospital's night schedule.

adjust to + schedule

同義詞
  • adapt

    close in meaning, but it often suggests a broader or deeper change

  • get used to

    everyday phrase that stresses the gradual process

  • settle in

    more informal; especially common for new homes, schools, or jobs

反義詞
  • struggle

    to have difficulty coping with the new situation

  • resist

    to push against the change instead of accepting it

文法句型

adjust to + new situation

adjust to + life/work/schedule

用法筆記

Usually followed by 'to' plus the new place, rule, schedule, or way of life. Subject is most often a person or group, though organizations can also adjust. Distinguish from sense 1, where you change the thing itself.

常見錯誤

❌I adjusted with the cold weather.
✅I adjusted to the cold weather.
💡use 'adjust to' for the situation you are getting used to.