readjustment
UK[ˌriːəˈdʒʌstmənt]US[ˌriːəˈdʒʌstmənt]
n
A small change that you make to something so that it works or fits better.
n
The process of getting used to a changed or new situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
adjust
ment
re
again
adjust
set right
ment
state/result of
Etymology
The word "readjustment" is a modern English formation built upon the verb "adjust". The core "adjust" entered English from Old French, tracing back to the Latin concept of bringing something close to a correct position. The prefix "re-", meaning "again", is attached to indicate the repetition of this correcting action. Finally, the suffix "-ment" is added to nominalize the process, turning the action into the concept of its result or occurrence. Thus, the literal "process of setting right again" logically evolves into the modern meanings of making a corrective change or adapting to new circumstances.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + adjust (set right) + ment (state/result of)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
adjust: From Old French 'ajuster', based on Latin 'ad-' (to) + 'iuxtare' (to come close), meaning "to set right".
ment: Latin origin ('-mentum'), a suffix forming nouns indicating the action, process, or result of doing something.
Examples
The mechanic made a quick readjustment to the engine's timing.
The period of readjustment after moving to a new country can be challenging.
The treaty required a minor readjustment of the border between the two nations.