adjective
adaptive
uh-DAP-tihv
adjective
1
Able to adjust or change in response to new conditions.
"The app has an adaptive interface that rearranges itself based on how you use it."
"Adaptive behavior helped the species survive a changing climate."
How to Use Adaptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that changes or adjusts in a useful way in response to its situation.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "adaptable," which describes a general capacity to change — "adaptive" more often describes something actively adjusting in the moment, like adaptive technology or adaptive behavior.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
adaptive technology
adaptive behavior
adaptive learning
Word Forms
more adaptive comparative, most adaptive superlative
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The app has an _____ interface that rearranges itself based on how you use it.
Etymology
From adapt plus the suffix -ive.