The word 调整 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core meaning to create a new, composite concept. The first character, 调 (tiáo), carries the fundamental idea of mixing, blending, or harmonizing, often implying adaptation or fine-tuning. The second character, 整 (zhěng), conveys the idea of putting in order, arranging, or making something whole and complete. When combined, 调 acts upon the state implied by 整; the word thus conceptually represents the action of "harmonizing into order" or "adaptively arranging", which coalesces into the modern meaning of "to adjust", "to regulate", or "to revise".