Tilpassast

Tilpassast is a present passive verb form used in some Nordic languages to indicate that something is being adapted or has been adapted to fit circumstances or needs. The form expresses that the subject undergoes an adaptation, rather than performing it.

Etymology and morphology: Tilpassast is derived from the verb tilpasse, meaning to adapt or adjust. The stem tilpass- combines with a present passive ending, commonly written as -ast in certain dialects and standard varieties of the languages that use this pattern. As a passive form, tilpassast typically places the focus on the object of adaptation, with the agent of adaptation often omitted or expressed separately.

Usage: Tilpassast is used to describe customization, personalization, or optimization of a product, service, process, or content to better suit users or conditions. It appears in formal or semi-formal writing and can occur in guidance, policy, product documentation, and educational materials. For example, a sentence such as “Produktet tilpassast kundenes behov” states that the product has been adapted to the customers’ needs.

Relation to related terms: Tilpassast is closely related to tilpasse (to adapt) and anpassa or anpassa (to adjust or tailor). It represents the passive dimension of adaptation, complementing the active forms used when a subject actively adapts something or someone.

See also: tilpasse, anpassa, adaptasjon, personalization.