Difference between adapt and adjust

[Elvira]

English Synonyms, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #63 "Synonyms for adapt", question 2

I can't ......... to this climate yet.

(a) fit
(b) suit
(c) adapt
(d) adjust

English Synonyms, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #63 "Synonyms for adapt", answer 2

I can't adapt to this climate yet.

Correct answer: (c) adapt
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hi! what's the main difference between adapt and adjust?

[Daniela]

Dear Elvira,

The verb “adapt” means to change and make suitable for a different use or for new conditions: to adapt a book for children; the eye adapts to dark/light; to adapt to a new situation; to adapt to a new climate
The verb “adjust” means to make suitable or convenient for use; to change so as to match or fit; cause to correspond.

“Adjust” refers more to the mechanism, “adapt” to the result – We adjust an opera glass in order to adapt it to different eyes.
We can adjust machinery; adjust one’s mind to an idea; adjust spectacles, etc.

Hope this helps! Happy New Year!

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