adams
C1Formal, Informal, Literary
Definition
Meaning
The plural form or possessive form of 'Adam', typically referring to more than one person named Adam or something belonging to a person or entity named Adam.
Can refer to the surname Adams, a common English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Adam'. Also used in specific fixed expressions like 'Adams apple' (more commonly 'Adam's apple').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as a proper noun. The uncapitalised form is non-standard. The meaning is heavily context-dependent on the specific Adams referenced (e.g., historical figures, a family).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core usage. The surname Adams is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with specific historical/cultural figures (e.g., John Adams, John Quincy Adams in US history; Douglas Adams, author of 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', in UK culture).
Frequency
As a surname, extremely frequent. As a plural of the first name Adam, relatively low frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Possessive] + Adams + Noun (Adams' house)[Definite Article] + Adams + Verb (The Adams are arriving)[Preposition] + the Adams (with the Adams)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Don't be an Adams about it" (non-standard, implying stubbornness like John Adams)”
- “"An Adams apple" (common misspelling/mispronunciation of 'Adam's apple')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a company or brand name, e.g., 'We reviewed the Adams contract.'
Academic
Refers to a theorist or historical figure, e.g., 'Adams' (2019) research on biodiversity.'
Everyday
Refers to people with that surname, e.g., 'The Adams are coming for dinner.'
Technical
Rare; could refer to a specific model or entity in a system, e.g., 'The Adams variable in the simulation.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Adams proposal was well-received.
American English
- He has a distinctly Adams-like demeanor.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friends are called Tom and Jane Adams.
- The Adams family lives in the large house on the hill.
- Historians often compare the presidencies of the two Adamses, John and his son John Quincy.
- Adams' seminal paper on gravitational theory challenged the prevailing Newtonian model.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The Adams Family' (like the TV show) has many members, so 'Adams' ends with an 's'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DYNASTY (the Adams family as a continuing line), AN INSTITUTION (the Adams name representing a legacy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- May overtranslate as 'Адамы', which sounds awkward in Russian for a surname. The surname is typically transliterated and not translated: 'Адамс'.
- Confusing possessive 'Adams'' with simple plural 'Adams' in written English.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect apostrophe use for simple plural: 'The Adam's are here.' (incorrect) vs. 'The Adams are here.' (correct).
- Mispronouncing as /eɪdəmz/ (with a long 'a') instead of the standard short vowel /ædəmz/.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence correctly uses the plural form for the surname Adams?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Virtually never in modern English. It is almost exclusively a proper noun (surname or plural of the first name Adam).
It is pronounced identically to the plural 'Adams' (/ˈæd.əmz/). Context determines if it's possessive.
The standard plural is 'the Adams' (e.g., 'There are three Adams in my class'). The form 'Adamses' is also accepted but less common.
It is a common error. The correct term is 'Adam's apple' (possessive). 'Adams apple' is a misspelling.