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Acclimatize: Definition, Examples, and How to Use It (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：get used to new conditions (acclimatize)
acclimatize
/əˈklaɪ.mə.taɪz/
v.
To get used to a new place, situation, or set of conditions so that you can live or work there normally.
get used to new conditions
➕
/ɡɛt juːzd tuː njuː kənˈdɪʃənz/
v.
To gradually become familiar and comfortable with a different environment, situation, or routine so that it no longer feels strange or difficult.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
ac- (to) + climate (climate) + -ize (verb suffix); literally 'to make suitable to a climate'.
💡 Mnemonic
A climate size: imagine shrinking or growing to fit a new climate's 'size' and conditions.
📖 Example
When I first moved to the city from the countryside, it took me a few weeks to acclimatize to the faster pace of life and the constant noise.
When I first moved to the city from the countryside, it took me a few weeks to get used to the faster pace of life and the constant noise.
🔗 Collocations
acclimatize to a new environment – get used to a new environment
acclimatize oneself to the culture – adjust oneself to the culture
take time to acclimatize – need time to get used to something
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
remain unsettled (v. phrase) – To stay uncomfortable or unused to a new situation.
resist change (v. phrase) – To refuse to adapt to new conditions.
🌱 Derivatives
acclimatization (n.) – The process of becoming used to a new climate or conditions.
acclimatizer (n.) – A person or thing that helps acclimatization.
📖 Cultural Story
Borrowed from French 'acclimater' (18th c.), from 'a-' (to) + 'climat' (climate). Used in colonial biology for species adaptation; now common in travel and workplace contexts.
Meaning 2：adapt to a different climate (acclimatize)
acclimatize
/əˈklaɪ.mə.taɪz/
v.
When plants or animals slowly get used to living in a new type of climate or environment that is different from their original home.
adapt to a different climate
➕
/əˈdæpt tuː ə ˈdɪfərənt ˈklaɪmɪt/
v.
To gradually become physiologically accustomed to a new set of climatic conditions, such as temperature, humidity, or light intensity, often used for plants or animals in controlled environments.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Botanists slowly lowered the temperature in the greenhouse to help the tropical seedlings acclimatize before planting them outside in the spring.
Botanists slowly lowered the temperature in the greenhouse to help the tropical seedlings adapt to a different climate before planting them outside in the spring.
🔗 Collocations
acclimatize plants to outdoor conditions – help plants adjust to outdoor conditions
acclimatize to cold temperatures – become used to cold temperatures
acclimatization period – the time needed for acclimatization
🔄 Synonyms
harden off (v. phrase) – To gradually expose a plant to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
naturalize (v.) – To introduce a plant or animal to a new environment where it becomes established.
🚫 Antonyms
wilt (v.) – To become limp due to lack of water or unsuitable conditions.
🌱 Derivatives
acclimation (n.) – The process of adapting to a new climate, often under controlled conditions.
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