ESL Blogs

1. Adapt :- Verb (Change)  

[T] to change something to suit different conditions or uses

-Both trees are well adapted to London's dry climate and dirty air. 

Adapt :- Verb (Become Familiar) 

[I] to become familiar with a new situation

2. Adhere :- Verb [I] Formal

to stick firmly

-A smooth, dry surface helps the tiles adhere to the wall. 

Adhere to something :- Phrasal Verb

to continue to obey a rule or have a belief

-She adhered to her principles/ideals throughout her life.

-The translator has obviously adhered very strictly to the original text.

3. Agony :- Noun [C or U]

extreme physical or mental pain or suffering

-We've both suffered agonies of guilt over what happened. 

Agony Aunt :- Noun [C usually singular] UK 

a person, usually a woman, who publicly gives advice to people with personal problems, especially in a regular magazine or newspaper article

Agony Column :- Noun [C usually singular] UK

the part of a magazine or newspaper where letters from readers about their personal problems are printed, together with advice about how to deal with them

pile on the agony :- UK informal

to enjoy emphasizing how bad a situation is

-Okay, I'll give you some money - just stop piling on the agony. 

NOTE :- All definitions are from Cambridge Dictionaries Online.