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Literary notes about Adjust (AI summary)

Writers employ "adjust" in a remarkably versatile manner, using it both literally and metaphorically to convey modification, adaptation, and harmony. In some writings, the term denotes a physical or technical change—characters might adjust machinery or clothing ([1], [2], [3]), or even an instrument’s settings ([4], [5]). Elsewhere, it carries a more abstract, psychological element as individuals modify their perceptions or adapt to shifting social and personal circumstances ([6], [7], [8]). The word also appears in older texts with a sense of bringing things into proper order or balance, whether it be fabricating a garment or reconciling conflicting ideas ([9], [10], [11]). Collectively, its multifaceted use across various genres highlights both the pragmatism and introspection inherent in human experience, emphasizing that adjustments—be they subtle or profound—are essential to navigating change ([12], [13], [14]).
  1. He must run, adjust and repair all sorts of machinery and farm utensils.
    — from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden
  2. In the course of talking, his shoulder was uncovered, and although a man-servant stood near him, he asked his uncle to re-adjust the clothes.
    — from Essays of Michel de Montaigne — Complete by Michel de Montaigne
  3. As her dress was in some disorder she tried to adjust it, but we were rather pushed for space, and by an awkward movement she uncovered her knee.
    — from The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Giacomo Casanova
  4. You may need to adjust your font settings for these to display properly.
    — from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius
  5. (2) Adjust the overload relay to a very high value beyond the capacity of the motor.
    — from Simple Sabotage Field Manual by United States. Office of Strategic Services
  6. Conditions would some way adjust themselves, she felt; but whatever came, she had resolved never again to belong to another than herself.
    — from The Awakening, and Selected Short Stories by Kate Chopin
  7. The ability of the Russian Jew to adjust himself to America's essentially democratic conditions is not to be explained by Jewish adaptability.
    — from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson
  8. It marked his adaptability, his capacity to adjust himself to changing conditions, the lack of which would have meant swift and terrible death.
    — from The call of the wild by Jack London
  9. Now prythee, leave me—hither doth come a person With whom affairs of a most private nature I would adjust.
    — from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe
  10. adjust, methodize, regulate, systematize.
    — from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget
  11. Both senses stand side by side; the sense of truth is the means wherewith the power is appropriated to adjust things according to one's taste.
    — from The Will to Power: An Attempted Transvaluation of All Values. Book III and IV by Nietzsche
  12. Fast as she can she hurries, something ominous, her steps trembling, She does not tarry to smooth her hair nor adjust her cap.
    — from Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
  13. It is therefore necessary for man so to alter, and adjust this mechanism, that it will always follow, and not obstruct, the good will.
    — from Pascal's Pensées by Blaise Pascal
  14. It had to be uttered once in a life, to adjust the lopsidedness of the world.
    — from Howards End by E. M. Forster

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