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]).
- He must run, adjust and repair all sorts of machinery and farm utensils.
— from Pushing to the Front by Orison Swett Marden - 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 - 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 - You may need to adjust your font settings for these to display properly.
— from Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome by Apicius - (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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - adjust, methodize, regulate, systematize.
— from Roget's Thesaurus by Peter Mark Roget - 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 - 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 - 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 - It had to be uttered once in a life, to adjust the lopsidedness of the world.
— from Howards End by E. M. Forster