adopt
verb (transitive)
UKəˈdɒptUSəˈdɑːpt
to legally take another person's child into one’s family and raise them as one’s own; to begin to use or follow a new method, system, or approach
Example Sentences
They decided to adopt a child, offering her the love and stability she had long been waiting for.
The company plans to adopt cutting-edge software to streamline its operations and enhance data security.
It took them some time to adopt new strategies for online marketing effectively.
More schools are beginning to adopt healthier meal plans for their students.
Many families choose to adopt pets rather than buy them, giving abandoned animals a second chance.
He became passionate about environmental causes and decided to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle to minimize his carbon footprint.
By conducting extensive research and consulting experts in the field, the board reached a unanimous decision to adopt greener energy solutions across all corporate facilities, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
Faced with rapid technological change, organizations that promptly adopt innovative methods often gain a competitive edge, attracting new clients and retaining the loyalty of existing ones through superior products and services.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To take in or begin to use something—like a habit, policy, or child—formally or willingly.“Adopt” carries a few related meanings revolving around taking on something new or previously external and treating it as one’s own. In personal and legal contexts, it often means legally becoming the parent of a child who is not biologically yours, granting them all the associated rights and responsibilities. In everyday or organizational settings, it refers to taking up a policy, strategy, method, or habit—like “adopting a new approach” to project management, “adopting a healthier lifestyle,” or “adopting a pet.”When you adopt something, you aren’t just borrowing or testing it; you’re making it part of your regular practice, routine, or identity. If a company adopts a new software system, it commits to using it for core operations. If a city adopts an ordinance, it formally integrates that rule into local law. Similarly, if you adopt a custom from a different culture, you incorporate it into your personal routine and values. Whether it’s a child, a habit, or a new way of thinking, “adopt” underscores a lasting change in ownership or commitment.In both formal and informal contexts, “adopt” highlights a deliberate and meaningful decision to welcome something into one’s own sphere. It implies a certain level of responsibility, acceptance, or ownership—be that legal guardianship of a child, a new plan for tackling a problem, or an innovative technology to streamline processes. The key is transitioning from not having something to fully embracing or implementing it in your life or organization.
Alternatives
Depending on context, there are various synonyms for “adopt.” If you’re focusing on legal guardianship, “take in,” “foster,” or “provide a home for” can appear, though “foster” typically doesn’t convey full, permanent guardianship. When emphasizing the idea of formally introducing or incorporating a new practice, you might use “implement,” “embrace,” or “take on.” “Implement” suggests putting plans or policies into action. “Embrace” leans more toward the emotional or cultural acceptance of a new idea or custom. “Take on” is more casual, meaning to assume responsibility or begin practicing something new.If you want to underscore a decision-making process, “choose,” “opt for,” or “agree to use” could work. In scenarios where an organization or government body is involved, “enact” or “ratify” may suit formal adoption of laws or rules. Which term you select often hinges on how official or emotionally significant the adoption is. “Adopt” itself carries a sense of full-fledged commitment, so alternatives might not always match its precise nuance of taking on responsibility or welcoming something into one’s own domain in a lasting way.
Writing
When writing about “adopt,” provide clarity on who is adopting what and why. In formal or legal contexts—such as adoption law—explain the process, requirements, and implications: “They decided to adopt a child through international channels, completing extensive background checks and legal paperwork.” If discussing organizational changes, specify how and why the policy or practice is being adopted: “The company adopted a remote-first policy to retain talent across various regions.”In academic or analytical texts, you could detail how widespread certain adoptions have become—like tracking the adoption rate of new technology or the adoption of a set of standards in different countries. Adding statistics or examples often enriches such discussions. If you’re focusing on personal narratives, highlight the transformation and meaning behind adoption: “She adopted meditation into her daily routine, seeking calm and focus amidst her hectic schedule.” The more context you provide—objectives, motivations, and impacts—the better readers understand the depth and implications behind the act of adopting something or someone.
Casual Conversation
In everyday talk, “adopt” is often used when mentioning someone has taken on a new habit or when describing pet ownership. You might say, “I decided to adopt a puppy from the shelter,” emphasizing the responsibility and emotional commitment. If you’re chatting about changing up personal routines—like switching to a new diet or style of working—you could say, “I’ve adopted an early-morning exercise routine, and it’s working out really well.”You can also apply “adopt” when referencing group decisions, like, “We adopted a new approach for our group project,” meaning everyone agreed on and implemented the new plan. Even in casual conversation, it usually implies more than just trying something out; there’s a sense of embracing and committing to it long term. Whether you’re talking about adopting a rescue pet, a daily habit, or a cutting-edge gadget, the word conveys a willingness to incorporate and stand behind it in your everyday life.
Etymology
“Adopt” derives from the Latin “adoptare,” formed by “ad-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) and “optare” (meaning “to choose” or “to wish”). Initially, it referred to choosing someone as your child or heir—an important concept in Roman society, which valued lineage and inheritance. Over centuries, English retained that sense of legally taking a child into one’s family while broadening usage to include accepting or integrating ideas, customs, or practices. In modern contexts, “adopt” spans everything from forging a family bond with a child or pet to selecting a new policy or lifestyle, all echoing its ancient roots of deliberate choice and deeper commitment.
