Meaning & use

adapted by

phrase·Everyday

Last updated

UK/əˈdæptɪd baɪ/
US/əˈdæptɪd baɪ/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    Changed or rewritten by a particular person so it can be used in a new form or medium.

    Grammar: Used after a noun: the title, then 'adapted by', then the person's name.

    Patterns

    • something adapted by someone
    • be adapted by someone

    The movie was adapted by a famous screenwriter.

    The play, adapted by a local director, opened last night.

    This novel was adapted by the author himself for young readers.

  2. phrasefixed phrasetechnical

    Altered by a specific agent or process to fit new conditions or purposes.

    Grammar: Often used in technical or academic writing after a noun.

    Patterns

    • something adapted by something
    • be adapted by something

    The building was adapted by the architects to be more energy-efficient.

    The software was adapted by the team to work on mobile devices.

Common combinations

adapted by a director
The film was adapted by a director known for historical dramas.
adapted by the author
The short story was adapted by the author into a full novel.
adapted by the team
The game was adapted by the team for younger players.
adapted by someone for something
The play was adapted by a teacher for a school performance.

Synonyms and how they differ

rewritten by
Focuses on the text being written again, while 'adapted by' can also involve changes in form or medium.
modified by
More general and often used for small changes; 'adapted by' suggests a more substantial reworking.

Word family

adapt verb
To change something to make it suitable for a new use.
adaptation noun
A film, play, or other work based on an earlier one.
adapter noun
A person who adapts something, or a device that connects parts.

Commonly confused: adapted by or adopted by?

adapted by vs adopted by

Means taken legally as one's own child or chosen to be used; 'adapted by' means changed to fit a new purpose.

Practice

The novel was ______ a well-known screenwriter for the film version.

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