Adopted
/əˈdɒptɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo legally take another person's child into one's family and raise him or her as one's own child.
/əˈdɒptɪd/
To take someone else's child into one's family and raise him or her as one's own.
The couple decided to adopt a child.
💡 Simply: To become the parent of a child that is not your biological child.
More Examples
After many years of trying, they finally adopted a baby.
How It's Used
"They adopted a baby girl from China."
To accept or begin to use something new.
/əˈdɒptɪd/
To take and use something for your own needs.
The school adopted a new curriculum.
💡 Simply: To start using something new.
More Examples
Many companies have adopted remote work policies.
How It's Used
"The company adopted a new software system."
From Middle English *adopted*, from Old French *adopter*, from Latin *adoptare* "to take to oneself, choose, adopt", from *ad-* "to" + *optare* "to choose, desire".
The word 'adopted' has been used in the context of family since the 15th century, and in the context of taking up practices/policies since the 17th.
Memory tip
Think of 'adopting' a pet – you're taking it into your home and caring for it.