You can adjust to something or adapt to something; they’re very similar, and it’s hard to tell the difference. What do other LEOs say?

#1 is correct so far as his example goes. That is, you can indeed adjust or adapt "to something"--in that example I'd say they are interchangeable.

But, without going into the variety of definitions each word might separately have, I'll point out just one difference between the words:

For example, one adjusts one's glasses; or adjusts one's pants (by pulling them up when they begin to slip down). But if one decided to use his pants for some other purpose altogether--if he wanted to try to make his pants into some sort of kite--he would need to adapt it for such purpose.

So, the two words are not always interchangeable.

Re #2.

Just to be clear:

The last part of the "pants" sentence would have been better stated as: he would need to adapt them [the pants] for such purpose.

Um die Beispiele auf #2 aufzugeifen:
adjust glasses - zurechtrücken
adapt glasses - zur Passform verbiegen, ggf. neue Linsen rein = anpassen

adjust pants - zurechtrücken
adapt pants - Größe/Schnitt ändern

adjust a setting - Regler einstellen
adapt a setting - eine Regelungseinstellung übernehmen/anpassen (was mit diversen adjustments verbunden sein kann)

to adjust yourself - sich einfügen
to adapt yourself - sich verändern

Generell (mit allem Vorbehalt gegenüber derart kontextfreien Aussagen) würde ich adjust als ein Verschieben, adapt als ein Verformen interpretieren. Und der Bedeutungsüberlapp zwischen den beiden Worten ist nicht unerheblich.

Vielen, vielen Dank!!!

I don't support some of the examples in #4. For example,
Not: adapt pants - Größe/Schnitt ändern
That would be to alter/make alterations.
For adapt, we need the to/for another purpose. See #3.

Re #4.

wor:

I'm always happy to see your posts.

In addition to the "altering pants" explanation of #6, please note that (in AE) we would say "adjust glasses" when referring to "zur Passform verbiegen."

As to getting new lenses inserted into glasses, I don't believe either alter or adapt is the right word--I think we (laymen) would just say something like, "I'm getting new lenses."

Thanks as always.

Re #7.

Sorry, again. The third paragraph should have said: "As to getting new lenses inserted into glasses, I don't believe either alter or adapt or adjust is the right word . . .."

adjust vs. adapt

Gibt es da eigentlich einen Unterscheid?
There is considerable overlap in meaning.

sind beide Wörter austauschbar?
Sometimes, but certainly not always. It depends on the individual case.

Is there a reliable rule that tells you when to use one and not the other? Not that I am aware of.