Definition

1. Verb:
   • To take a child into one's family and raise as one's own: To legally assume the parental responsibility for a child who is not one's biological offspring.
   • To choose and follow a particular idea, method, or course of action: To take up and use or practice something as one's own.
   • To formally accept or approve something: To vote to accept a proposal, resolution, or policy.
   • To assume or take on a particular attitude, appearance, or role: To begin to have or display a specific quality or characteristic.

Usage and Examples

• To take a child into one's family:

  • They decided to adopt a baby girl from overseas.
  • The couple adopted three siblings to keep them together.

• To choose and follow an idea or method:

  • The company will adopt a new marketing strategy next quarter.
  • Many countries have adopted the metric system.

• To formally accept something:

  • The committee voted to adopt the new regulations.
  • The resolution was adopted unanimously.

• To assume an attitude or role:

  • He adopted a stern tone to make his point.
  • For the interview, she adopted a more professional demeanor.

Advanced Usage

• "Adopt as": To choose someone or something for a specific role or purpose.

  • The town adopted the stray dog as its unofficial mascot.

• "Adopt a wait-and-see attitude/approach": To decide to wait for further developments before taking action.

  • Investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach until after the election.

Variants and Related Words

• Adopter (noun): A person or entity that adopts.

  • Early adopters of new technology often face bugs.

• Adoptee (noun): A person who has been adopted.

  • The adoptee searched for her biological parents.

• Adoptive (adjective): Related by adoption; having adopted a child.

  • She has a close relationship with her adoptive parents.

• Adoption (noun): The act or process of adopting.

  • The adoption process can be lengthy and emotional.
  • The widespread adoption of smartphones changed communication.

Synonyms

• Embrace: To accept or support willingly and enthusiastically.
• Espouse: To adopt or support a cause, belief, or way of life.
• Assume: To take on a role, responsibility, or appearance.
• Take up: To begin to do or study something.

Phrasal Verbs

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically conveyed through direct use with objects or prepositional phrases like "adopt as.")

Related Idioms

• Adopt a stance/position: To formally take a particular attitude or opinion on an issue.

  • The government has adopted a firm stance against corruption.

• Adopt a policy of something: To officially begin using a specific rule or course of action.

  • The school adopted a policy of zero tolerance for bullying.

Verb

1. take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own
   • She embraced Catholicism
   • They adopted the Jewish faith
2. put into dramatic form
   • adopt a book for a screenplay
3. take into one's family
   • They adopted two children from Nicaragua
4. take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
   • His voice took on a sad tone
   • The story took a new turn
   • he adopted an air of superiority
   • She assumed strange manners
   • The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
5. take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
   • When will the new President assume office?
6. take up and practice as one's own
7. choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
   • She followed the feminist movement
   • The candidate espouses Republican ideals