Adopt
/əˈdɒpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo take and raise (a child) as one's own.
/əˈdɒpt/
To take a child into one's family and raise them as one's own.
They adopted a baby girl from China.
💡 Simply: To become the parent of a child who is not your biological child.
More Examples
After much consideration, they decided to adopt.
How It's Used
"The couple decided to adopt a child from overseas."
To accept or take up something officially.
/əˈdɒpt/
To take up and support (a cause, idea, or practice).
The school adopted a new curriculum.
💡 Simply: To begin using or following something.
More Examples
The city council adopted the proposal unanimously.
How It's Used
"The party adopted a new platform."
"The company adopted a new software system."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Old French 'adopter', from Latin 'adoptare', from 'ad' (to) + 'optare' (to choose).
The word's use in relation to children became more prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Memory tip
Think of 'A-dopt' as 'A-dd to your family'.
Word Origin
"to choose"