WordGarden.ioadopt
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ədˈɒpt/
US
- /əˈdɑpt/
Meanings
Verb
to choose to start using, accepting, or following something
to take another person's child into your family and raise them as your own
to formally approve a policy, proposal, or report
More meaningsFewer meanings
to take an animal into your home as a pet, especially from a shelter
Beyond the definition
To adopt means to legally take someone else's child into your family and raise them as your own. It can also mean taking an animal from a shelter and making it part of your home. But it doesn't stop there! You can also adopt a new habit, like waking up early, or adopt a viewpoint, meaning you choose to believe in something. A shelter dog hoping for a loving home is hoping someone will adopt them.
Think of it as making a conscious choice to welcome something – a person, an idea, a lifestyle – into your life and treat it as if it always belonged there. It's more than just accepting; it's taking ownership and responsibility. A company might adopt new policies, meaning they officially implement them.
The word "adopt" carries a beautiful weight of commitment and acceptance. Most commonly, we think of adopting a child – legally becoming their parent and providing them with love, care, and a family. This is the most profound sense of the word, signifying a lifelong bond built on choice and devotion. "After years of waiting, they were overjoyed to finally adopt little Leo."
However, "adopt" extends far beyond familial connections. It means to choose or begin using something new – an idea, a method, a style, even a pet! A scientist might adopt a new research technique, meaning they start utilizing it in their work. An artist could adopt a minimalist aesthetic, choosing simplicity and clean lines for their creations.
To adopt also implies acceptance and endorsement. If you adopt someone else's suggestion, you agree with it and put it into action. A political party might adopt a new platform, formally embracing a set of beliefs and policies.
The core idea behind "adopt" is taking something that isn't naturally yours and making it part of your life – whether through a legal process, conscious choice, or deliberate acceptance. It's about welcoming, nurturing, and claiming ownership in a meaningful way. So next time you hear the word "adopt," remember it signifies not just taking but also cherishing what you've chosen to make your own.
Examples
- 1
Child adoption
They adopted a baby girl last year.
- 2
Animal shelter
We adopted an older dog from the local shelter.
- 3
Workplace policy
The company adopted a four-day workweek after the trial ended.
- 4
Digital records
More hospitals are adopting digital records.
- Patternadopt + system/practice
start using it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Official approval
The council adopted the new budget on Tuesday.
- Patternadopt + plan/budget/law
officially accept it
- 6
Local customs
After living there for a while, he adopted the local habit of taking off his shoes at the door.
- 7
Interview tone
She adopted a more confident tone in the interview.
- Patternadopt + tone/attitude
begin to show it
- 8
Pen name
The writer adopted a pen name early in her career.
- Patternadopt + name
begin using a new one
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- adoptverb
Forms
- adoptedpast tenseverb
- adopting-ing formverb
- adoptsverb