adaptive

English

Etymology

adapt + -ive

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /əˈdæp.tɪv/
  • (file)

Adjective

adaptive (comparative more adaptive, superlative most adaptive)

  1. Of, pertaining to, characterized by or showing adaptation; making or made fit or suitable.
    • 1859, Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species:
      The real affinities of all organic beings, in contradistinction to their adaptive resemblances, are due to inheritance or community of descent.
    • 1896, C. Lloyd Morgan, On Modification and Variation:
      That variation of germinal origin is a fact in organic nature is admitted on all hands, and that some variations are adaptive is also unquestioned.
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it issued a final rule allowing what’s called “adaptive driving beam headlights” on new vehicles. It will go into effect when published in the Federal Register in the next few days.
  2. Capable of being adapted or of adapting; susceptible of or undergoing accordant change.
  3. (psychology) Of a trait: that helps an individual to function well in society.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Derived terms

Translations

References

French

Adjective

adaptive

  1. feminine singular of adaptif

German

Pronunciation

  • (file)

Adjective

adaptive

  1. inflection of adaptiv:
    1. strong/mixed nominative/accusative feminine singular
    2. strong nominative/accusative plural
    3. weak nominative all-gender singular
    4. weak accusative feminine/neuter singular
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