What does acclimating mean?
Acclimating is the present participle of the verb "acclimate," meaning to become accustomed to a new climate, environment, or set of circumstances. Its original sense was strictly physical — the body adjusting to changes such as altitude, heat, or humidity — and this remains common in contexts like mountaineering, athletics, and biology, where organisms must gradually adapt to altered conditions. Over time the word broadened to cover psychological and social adjustment as well, so a new student might be described as acclimating to campus life just as a hiker acclimates to thin air. In American English, "acclimate" is the standard form, while British usage favors "acclimatize"; both derive from the French "acclimater," built on "climate." The word suggests a gradual, often effortful process rather than instant change, which gives it a patient, practical tone. It is equally at home in scientific writing and casual conversation, making it a versatile term for describing any transition that takes time to feel natural.
verbAcclimating is the present participle and gerund of "acclimate": to become accustomed to a new climate, environment, or situation.
- To become physically or physiologically accustomed to a new climate or environmental conditions, such as altitude or temperature.
- More broadly, to become mentally or socially adjusted to a new situation, place, or set of circumstances.
"After a week of hiking in the thin mountain air, she was finally acclimating to the altitude."
"The seedlings spent two weeks acclimating to the greenhouse conditions before being planted outdoors."
"New employees often spend their first month acclimating to the company's culture and pace."
The word "climate" hides inside it — because when you're acclimating, your body is literally learning to live with a new one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acclimating
The verb "acclimate" entered English in the early 19th century, borrowed from the French "acclimater," itself formed by combining the prefix "a-" (toward) with "climater," from "climat" — the Latin "clima," meaning region or inclination of the sun, ultimately from Greek "klima." It originally referred specifically to the physiological adjustment of humans, animals, and plants to a new climate. The related form "acclimatize" arose slightly later and became the preferred variant in Britain, while "acclimate" prevailed in America. Cognates and relatives include "acclimation," "acclimatization," and the root word "climate" itself.
Related word forms
How acclimating is actually used
In American English, "acclimate" (and thus "acclimating") is the standard choice; British English typically prefers "acclimatize"/"acclimatizing." The verb works both transitively ("the lab acclimates the fish gradually") and intransitively ("she is still acclimating"). It carries no strong connotation — neutral in register and suitable for both scientific and everyday contexts.
Easily confused with acclimating
"Acclimatizing" is simply the British-preferred form of the same verb (from "acclimatize"), while "acclimating" comes from the American-favored "acclimate" — they mean exactly the same thing.
"Acclamation" means enthusiastic approval or applause, whereas "acclimating" refers to becoming adjusted to new conditions.