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adoption

B2
Common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ədˈɒpʃən/

US

  • /əˈdɑpʃən/

Meanings

Noun

  1. the legal process of taking another person's child into your family and raising them as your own

  2. the act or rate of starting to use, accept, or follow something

  3. the formal approval of a policy, proposal, report, or other measure

More meanings
  1. the act of taking an animal into your home as a pet, especially from a shelter

Beyond the definition

Adoption isn't just about families! While it most often refers to the legal process of becoming a parent to a child who is not biologically yours, adoption also means willingly accepting and using something new. You might adopt a stray kitten, or your company might adopt a new marketing strategy. It implies taking responsibility for something and making it part of your life or system. Think of it as opening your heart—or your business—to something that needs a home.

Adoption is about more than just legal paperwork; it's about love, commitment, and building a family through choice. Just like adopting a new habit, it requires effort and dedication. A town might adopt a new policy or ordinance, officially making it part of how things are done. The key is welcoming something into your existing world.

Examples

  1. 1

    Legal process

    After two years of paperwork, the adoption was finally approved.

  2. 2

    Pet adoption

    The shelter holds a pet adoption event every Saturday.

  3. 3

    Child placement

    She was put up for adoption when she was a baby.

    • Phraseput someone up for adoption

      arrange for another family to legally raise them

  4. 4

    Family records

    He found out more about his birth family after seeing his adoption records.

More examples
  1. 5

    Workplace policy

    The company's adoption of remote work changed how people communicate.

  2. 6

    Technology adoption

    Widespread adoption of electric cars will depend on better charging stations.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • adoption of a policy
  • technology adoption
  • widespread adoption
  • early adoption

Word family

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Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • adoptionnoun

Forms

  • adoptionspluralnoun