Pronunciation

/əˈdɑpt/

Definitions

Noun

• Adoption: The act of formally accepting or receiving someone or something (usually a child or new idea) into one’s family or system. For example: “The adoption process can be long and complicated.”
• Adopt: A verb meaning to take on, receive, or assume the characteristics, practices, or beliefs of another person or group. For example: “She adopted a vegan lifestyle after reading about its environmental benefits.”

Verb

• To formally take in or accept (a child) as one’s own child, usually through legal means. For example: “The couple decided to adopt a child from an orphanage.”
• To take on or incorporate (an idea, technology, or custom). For example: “The company adopted a new software system to improve efficiency.”

Phrases

• “Adopt a pet” means to take responsibility for a domestic animal as your own.
• “Adopt a policy” signifies adopting a new rule or guideline within an organization.
• “Adoptive parents” refers to people who legally become the parents of a child they did not give birth to.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Many children grow up with a love for their adoptive parents’ culture and traditions.”
• Verb: “After losing her job, she decided to adopt a more flexible work approach.”
• Adoptive: “The new manager brought an adoptive sense of humor to the office, making it a more enjoyable place to work.”

Synonyms

• Receive
• Take in
• Embrace
• Incorporate
• Adapt
• Adoptive (as in referring to an adopted child)
• Assimilate