Word of the Day : January 16, 2018

adapt \uh-DAPT\ verb

Definition

: to make or become fit (as for a new use) often by modification

Did You Know?

Rooted in the origins of adapt is the idea of becoming specifically fit for something. English speakers adapted adapt in the 15th century from the Middle French adapter, which was borrowed, in turn, from the Latin adaptāre,a combination of the Latin prefix ad- ("to, toward") and the verb aptāre, meaning "to put into position, bring to bear, make ready." Aptāre is a verbal derivative of aptus, meaning "fit" or "apt." Other descendants of aptus in English include aptitude, inept, and of course apt itself, as well as unapt and inapt.

Learn a new word every day, delivered to your inbox!

Test Your Vocabulary



  Winter Words Quiz






    Another word for ‘a person who travels to an area of warmth and sun, especially in winter’ is a:




                                  gudgeon
                                  gulpin
                                  sunseeker
                                  gull







    Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
    TAKE THE QUIZ





    Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
    TAKE THE QUIZ

Aired January 16, 2018

All Merriam-Webster content is available at www.merriam-webster.com