acclimatize
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz/
KK: /əˈklaɪməˌtaɪz/
intransitive verb
Definition
To adjust or adapt to a new environment or situation.
Example
It took me a few days to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Tense Forms
Past: acclimatized
Past Participle: acclimatized
Conversation
How long do you think it takes to acclimatize to a new climate?
I guess it depends on the person, but usually a few weeks.
Yeah, I felt like it took me a month to really acclimatize when I moved here.
Same here! After that, everything felt much easier.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
adapt
adjust
acclimate
Antonyms
struggle
resist
reject
transitive verb
Definition
To adjust or adapt to a new environment or climate, especially after moving to a different place.
Example
It took several weeks for the hikers to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Tense Forms
Past: acclimatized
Past Participle: acclimatized
Conversation
How long do you think it will take to acclimatize to the new climate here?
I guess it depends on how sensitive you are to changes.
Right, I hope I can acclimatize quickly because I love outdoor activities.
Root Explanation
Acclimatize → It is formed from "ac-" (a variant of "ad-", meaning to) and "clima" (from Latin "clima", meaning climate) and "-ize" (a suffix used to form verbs meaning to make or to become). The word "acclimatize" means to make or become accustomed to a new climate or environment.
Memory Tip
Think of 'ad-' meaning to move towards something and 'clima' referring to climate — so acclimatize means to adjust to a new climate.
Visually Confused Words
reacclimatize
climatize
unacclimatized
declimatize