adopt
adopt Lexical Profile
adopt Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To legally take another's child and bring it up as one's own, or to take responsibility for a pet or animal.
"After years of waiting, the couple was finally approved to adopt a baby girl."
To choose to take up, follow, or use an idea, method, policy, or course of action.
"Several major universities have decided to adopt the new admissions software next semester."
To assume or begin to display a particular attitude, tone, expression, or posture.
"The professor had to adopt a firmer tone when the lecture hall grew too noisy."
To formally approve or accept a report, resolution, law, or budget, typically by voting.
"The city council voted unanimously to adopt the revised environmental regulations."
Word Nuance & Usage
Frequently confused with 'adapt'; to 'adopt' means to take something as one's own without changing it, whereas to 'adapt' means to modify or adjust something to fit new conditions.
• Rhymes for adopt
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French adopter, from Latin adoptare ('to choose for oneself'), formed from ad- ('to') and optare ('to choose, wish, or desire').