adopt
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To take on or accept something formally, such as a child into one's family, or a new idea, law, or method.
To choose or start to use something, to assume a particular attitude or position, or to formally accept a proposal or resolution.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a conscious, formal choice and commitment. Can be transitive (adopt a child, adopt a policy) or used in passive constructions. Does not imply creation, but rather selection and implementation of something already existing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Spelling and grammar identical. US English slightly more likely to use 'adopt' in business contexts (adopt a standard).
Connotations
Identical. Primarily positive (care, progress, acceptance). Negative only if what is adopted is harmful.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SVO (They adopted a child.)SV (The resolution was adopted unanimously.)SVO + as + NP (He adopted the stray cat as his own.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Adopt a wait-and-see attitude.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company will adopt new sustainability standards next quarter.
Academic
The researcher adopted a qualitative methodology for the study.
Everyday
They decided to adopt a dog from the shelter.
Technical
The software update adopts a new encryption protocol.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council voted to adopt the new recycling scheme.
- After years of fostering, they were able to adopt him officially.
American English
- The committee adopted the proposal after a brief debate.
- They decided to adopt a child from overseas.
adverb
British English
- The policy was adopted unanimously.
- The technology was swiftly and successfully adopted.
American English
- The standard was adopted widely across the industry.
- The suggestion was adopted reluctantly.
adjective
British English
- This is their adoptive country.
- The child's adoptive parents were very supportive.
American English
- She found great joy in her adoptive family.
- He moved to his adoptive state as a teenager.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They want to adopt a baby.
- The class adopted a new rule.
- Many countries have adopted strict environmental laws.
- We decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
- The government is under pressure to adopt a more robust economic strategy.
- The software developer adopted an agile methodology for the project.
- The philosopher's work led her to adopt a distinctly existentialist worldview.
- The corporation adopted a proactive stance on corporate governance to pre-empt regulatory scrutiny.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Dad OPtions To' take a child into his family. The 'opt' in 'adopt' relates to choosing (option).
Conceptual Metaphor
ADOPTION IS RECEIVING AND MAKING ONE'S OWN (an idea, a child, a method).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'адаптировать' (to adapt). 'Adopt' is 'принимать' (a law), 'усыновлять/удочерять' (a child), 'перенимать' (a method).
- In Russian, one 'takes' a decision ('принимать решение'), in English one can 'adopt' a resolution or policy.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'adapt' instead of 'adopt' (We need to adopt/adapt to the new rules).
- Using 'adopt' for inanimate 'children' (e.g., 'The school adopted new textbooks' is fine; 'The school adopted new students' is wrong unless a formal sponsorship program exists).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'adopt' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Adopt' means to choose and take on something (a child, policy, method). 'Adapt' means to change or adjust to suit new conditions.
Yes, it is common. E.g., 'She adopted a more positive outlook on life.' or 'The company adopted his innovative proposal.'
Primarily, but it can describe anything related to adoption (e.g., adoptive family, adoptive country). It describes the one who adopts, not the one who is adopted.
The main nouns are 'adoption' (the process/act) and 'adoptee' (the person who is adopted).