adaptive

English

Etymology

adapt + -ive

Pronunciation

  • (US) IPA(key): /əˈdæpˌtɪv/

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.
  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

Derived terms

Translations

References

  • adaptive in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

French

Adjective

adaptive

  1. feminine singular of adaptif

German

Adjective

adaptive

  1. inflected form of adaptiv
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