Adopt — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈdäpt/

Meaning & Definition of Adopt

Adopt (verb)

  1. to take (someone or something) by choice into a relationship
  2. to take (a child born to other parents) voluntarily as one's own child especially in compliance with formal legal procedures
  3. to acquire (an animal) as a pet especially from an animal shelter

Adopt (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to take for one's own use (something originated by another)

    "shortly after moving to the U.S., the family dutifully adopted the American tradition of having turkey for Thanksgiving"

    similar: borrow, embrace, espouse, take on, take up, pick up on
    related: domesticate, naturalize, appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp, absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote, cherish, prize, treasure, cultivate, follow, heed, honor, use, utilize, bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear, affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on, simulate
    near: abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, abjure, abnegate, disown, reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn, discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Adopt

The most common words with a similar meaning to Adopt:

borrow, embrace, espouse, take on, take up, pick up on

Related Words for Adopt

domesticate, naturalize, appropriate, arrogate, take over, usurp, absorb, assimilate, incorporate, quote, cherish, prize, treasure, cultivate, follow, heed, honor, use, utilize, bring up, foster, nurture, raise, rear, affect, assume, copy, imitate, pretend, put on

Near Antonyms of Adopt

abandon, forsake, give up, relinquish, surrender, abjure, abnegate, disown, reject, renounce, repudiate, spurn, discard, jettison, junk, throw away, throw out

Word Forms of Adopt

Inflections: adopted, adopting, adopts

Derived words: adoptability (noun), adoptable (adjective), adopter (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Adopt

Middle English adopten, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adopter, borrowed from Latin adoptāre, from ad- ad- + optāre "to express a wish for, desire, choose, decide on" option:1

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Adopt

Frequently Asked Questions about Adopt

What does "Adopt" mean?

"Adopt" means to take (someone or something) by choice into a relationship. As a verb, it is defined as: to take (someone or something) by choice into a relationship.

What is another word for "Adopt"?

Other words for "Adopt" include borrow, embrace, espouse, take on, take up and pick up on. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Adopt" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Adopt"?

There are 37 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Adopt". Common alternatives include borrow, embrace, espouse, take on, take up and pick up on.

How do you use "Adopt" in a sentence?

Examples of "Adopt" in a sentence: "shortly after moving to the U.S., the family dutifully adopted the American tradition of having turkey for Thanksgiving".

Is "Adopt" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Adopt" is a verb.

Is "Adopt" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Adopt" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Adopt"?

"Adopt" is pronounced /ə-ˈdäpt/.

What is the origin of the word "Adopt"?

"Adopt" comes from Middle English adopten, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adopter, borrowed from Latin adoptāre, from ad- ad- + optāre "to express a wish for, desire, choose, decide on" option:1. First known use: 15th centuryt.