Adjust vs. Change: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Adjust means to make small modifications, while change means to make something different in a significant way.
Key Differences
Adjust typically implies making small modifications to an existing situation or object, whereas change often denotes a more significant or fundamental alteration. Adjusting might involve fine-tuning or tweaking something, whereas changing could mean replacing or completely transforming it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
To adjust is to alter something slightly, often to improve its function or effectiveness, while to change is to make something different, which could be in form, nature, or appearance. When you adjust, you are adapting to existing conditions; when you change, you are creating new conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Adjusting often suggests a sense of refinement or improvement of what already exists, but changing implies the creation of something new or different from what was. An adjustment is generally a response to a need for better precision, whereas a change is a move towards a different state or condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Adjustment usually doesn't alter the fundamental nature of the thing, just modifies aspects of it, but change can be transformative, altering the very essence or identity of what is changed. For example, adjusting the brightness of a light is less drastic than changing the light source.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Adjust and Change Definitions
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Adjust
To move or change (something) so as to be in a more effective arrangement or desired condition
Adjust the timing of a car's engine.
Adjust a hearing aid to amplify lower frequencies.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To cause to be different; alter
We decided to change the color of the walls. You can't change the rules in the middle of the game.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
To change so as to be suitable to or conform with something else
Adjusted the schedule to allow for everyone's vacation plans.
Adjusted the old monetary figures to account for inflation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To give a completely different form or appearance to; transform
The new homeowners changed the yard into a garden.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
In chiropractic medicine, to manipulate (the spine and other body structures) to treat disorders and restore normal function of the nervous system.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To give and receive reciprocally; interchange
Anne and I changed seats so that she could sit next to the aisle.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To exchange for or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
Change one's name.
A light that changes colors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
To become adapted or accustomed, as to a new situation
Have you adjusted to working with your new colleagues?.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To lay aside, abandon, or leave for another; switch
Change methods.
Change sides.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
(transitive) To modify.
Morimoto's recipes are adjusted to suit the American palate.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To transfer from (one conveyance) to another
In Chicago, we'll have to change planes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
(transitive) To improve or rectify.
He adjusted his initial conclusion to reflect the new data.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To give or receive the equivalent of (money) in lower denominations or in foreign currency
This machine will change dollar bills into coins. At the airport, the traveler changed British pounds into euros.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To put fresh clothes or coverings on
It's your turn to change the baby. I'll show you how to change the bed.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
(intransitive) To change to fit circumstances.
Most immigrants adjust quickly to a new community.
She waited for her eyes to adjust to the darkness.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To become different or undergo alteration
He changed as he matured. The town grew and changed over the years.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
To make exact; to fit; to make correspondent or conformable; to bring into proper relations; as, to adjust a garment to the body, or things to a standard.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To undergo transformation or transition
The music changed to a slow waltz.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
To put in order; to regulate, or reduce to system.
Adjusting the orthography.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
To settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result; as, to adjust accounts; the differences are adjusted.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To make an exchange; switch
If you prefer this seat, I'll change with you.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
To bring to a true relative position, as the parts of an instrument; to regulate for use; as, to adjust a telescope or microscope.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To transfer from one conveyance to another
She changed in Detroit on her way to California.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
Alter or regulate so as to achieve accuracy or conform to a standard;
Adjust the clock, please
Correct the alignment of the front wheels
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To put on other clothing
We changed for dinner. They changed into work clothes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
Place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel or straight;
Align the car with the curb
Align the sheets of paper on the table
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Adjust
Adapt or conform oneself to new or different conditions;
We must adjust to the bad economic situation
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The act, process, or result of altering or modifying
A change in facial expression.
A last-minute change in the schedule.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The replacing of one thing for another; substitution
A change of atmosphere.
A change of ownership.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another
The change of seasons.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A different or fresh set of clothing
I brought along a change of shirts to the overnight party.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange for money of higher denomination
Will you give me change of four quarters for a dollar?.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The balance of money returned when an amount given is more than what is due
I paid $3 for the coffee that cost $2.50, so I received 50 cents in change.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(intransitive) To become something different.
The tadpole changed into a frog.
Stock prices are constantly changing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To make something into something else.
The fairy changed the frog into a prince.
I had to change the wording of the ad so it would fit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(transitive) To replace.
Ask the janitor to come and change the lightbulb.
After a brisk walk, I washed up and changed my shirt.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(intransitive) To replace one's clothing.
You can't go into the dressing room while she's changing.
The clowns changed into their costumes before the circus started.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(transitive) To replace the clothing of (the one wearing it).
It's your turn to change the baby.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(transitive) To change hand while riding (a horse).
To change a horse
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The process of becoming different.
The product is undergoing a change in order to improve it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(uncountable) Small denominations of money given in exchange for a larger denomination.
Can I get change for this $100 bill please?
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(uncountable) Balance of money returned from the sum paid after deducting the price of a purchase.
A customer who pays with a 10-pound note for a £9 item receives one pound in change.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(uncountable) An amount of cash, usually in the form of coins, but sometimes inclusive of paper money.
Do you have any change on you? I need to make a phone call.
This bus ride requires exact change.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(countable) A transfer between vehicles.
The train journey from Bristol to Nottingham includes a change at Birmingham.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
(campanology) Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To alter; to make different; to cause to pass from one state to another; as, to change the position, character, or appearance of a thing; to change the countenance.
Therefore will I change their glory into shame.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To alter by substituting something else for, or by giving up for something else; as, to change the clothes; to change one's occupation; to change one's intention.
They that do change old love for new,Pray gods, they change for worse!
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To give and take reciprocally; to exchange; - followed by with; as, to change place, or hats, or money, with another.
Look upon those thousands with whom thou wouldst not, for any interest, change thy fortune and condition.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Specifically: To give, or receive, smaller denominations of money (technically called change) for; as, to change a gold coin or a bank bill.
He pulled out a thirty-pound note and bid me change it.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better.
For I am Lord, I change not.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
To pass from one phase to another; as, the moon changes to-morrow night.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Any variation or alteration; a passing from one state or form to another; as, a change of countenance; a change of habits or principles.
Apprehensions of a change of dynasty.
All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A succesion or substitution of one thing in the place of another; a difference; novelty; variety; as, a change of seasons.
Our fathers did for change to France repair.
The ringing grooves of change.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
That which makes a variety, or may be substituted for another.
Thirty change (R.V. changes) of garments.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Small money; the money by means of which the larger coins and bank bills are made available in small dealings; hence, the balance returned when payment is tendered by a coin or note exceeding the sum due.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A place where merchants and others meet to transact business; a building appropriated for mercantile transactions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Any order in which a number of bells are struck, other than that of the diatonic scale.
Four bells admit twenty-four changes in ringing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
An event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another;
The change was intended to increase sales
This storm is certainly a change for the worse
The neighborhood had undergone few modifications since his last visit years ago
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A relational difference between states; especially between states before and after some event;
He attributed the change to their marriage
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The action of changing something;
The change of government had no impact on the economy
His change on abortion cost him the election
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The result of alteration or modification;
There were marked changes in the lining of the lungs
There had been no change in the mountains
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
The balance of money received when the amount you tender is greater than the amount due;
I paid with a twenty and pocketed the change
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A thing that is different;
He inspected several changes before selecting one
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A different or fresh set of clothes;
She brought a change in her overnight bag
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Coins of small denomination regarded collectively;
He had a pocketful of change
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Money received in return for its equivalent in a larger denomination or a different currency;
He got change for a twenty and used it to pay the taxi driver
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
A difference that is usually pleasant;
He goes to France for variety
It is a refreshing change to meet a woman mechanic
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Undergo a change; become different in essence; losing one's or its original nature;
She changed completely as she grew older
The weather changed last night
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Cause to change; make different; cause a transformation;
The advent of the automobile may have altered the growth pattern of the city
The discussion has changed my thinking about the issue
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Make or become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence;
Her mood changes in accordance with the weather
The supermarket's selection of vegetables varies according to the season
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Change clothes; put on different clothes;
Change before you go to the opera
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Give to, and receive from, one another;
Would you change places with me?
We have been exchanging letters for a year
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Change from one vehicle or transportation line to another;
She changed in Chicago on her way to the East coast
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Become deeper in tone;
His voice began to change when he was 12 years old
Her voice deepened when she whispered the password
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Change
Remove or replace the coverings of;
Father had to learn how to change the baby
After each guest we changed the bed linens
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Does 'change' imply improvement?
Not necessarily, it's neutral regarding outcome.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
How does 'change' impact the status quo?
It often disrupts or alters it significantly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
How does 'adjust' relate to comfort?
It's often about making things more comfortable.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Does 'adjust' require expertise?
Sometimes, especially in technical contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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