adaptation
UK[ˌæd.əpˈteɪ.ʃən]US[ˌæd.əpˈteɪ.ʃən]
n
the process of changing something to suit a new situation or purpose.
n
a film, television drama, or stage play that has been made from a book.
n
a characteristic of an organism that makes it suited to its environment, formed by the process of evolution.
Morpheme Breakdown
ad
apt
ation
ad
to
apt
fit
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'adaptation' has a clear lineage from Latin, built upon the verb 'adaptare,' meaning "to fit, to adjust." This verb itself is a compound of 'ad-' (to) and 'aptare' (to fit), a frequentative form of 'aptus' (fitted). The core concept of "fitting something to a purpose" traveled intact into English via French in the early 17th century. Initially used for the process of modification, its meaning specialized in biology in the 19th century to describe the evolutionary fitting of organisms to their environment, while also being applied to the re-fitting of literary works for new media.
Analysis
Structure: ad (to) + apt (fit) + ation (noun suffix)
- ad: Latin prefix meaning "to, toward, near."
- apt: Latin root from 'aptus,' meaning "fitted, suited, appropriate."
- ation: Latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Examples
The film is a loose adaptation of the classic novel.
The company's rapid adaptation to the digital market saved it from bankruptcy.
The camel's hump is a remarkable adaptation for surviving in arid climates.