Pronunciations (4)
-
/əˈdɒpt/
Pronunciation notes
- Received-Pronunciation
-
/əˈdɑpt/
Pronunciation notes
- General-American
-
əˈdɑpt
Pronunciation notes
- US
-
əˈdɒpt
Pronunciation notes
- GB
Verb
To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship. To take voluntarily (a child of other parents) to be in the place of, or as, one's own child.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
A friend of mine recently adopted a Chinese baby girl found on the streets of Beijing.
To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship. To obtain (a pet) from a shelter or the wild.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
We're going to adopt a Dalmatian.
To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship. To contribute towards the upkeep of (a child or animal), in exchange for occasional stories, pictures, etc.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
We adopted an elephant at the local zoo.
To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship. To take by choice into the scope of one's responsibility.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
This supermarket chain adopts several families every Yuletide, providing them with money and groceries for the holidays.
More examples (1)
Sixteen years ago, the station entered into a new chapter when it was adopted by the Friends of Chirk Station (FoCS) volunteer group, under the Arriva Trains Wales Station Adopters programme.
To take or receive as one's own what is not so naturally.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
He adopted a new look in order to fit in with his new workmates.
More examples (1)
[S]he [Edwina, mother of Tennessee Williams] was indeed Amanda [Wingfield, character in Williams' play The Glass Menagerie] in the flesh: a doughty chatterbox from Ohio who adopted the manner of a Southern belle and eschewed both drink and sex to the greatest extent possible.
To select and take or approve.
Usage- Transitive
- Examples
-
to adopt the view or policy of another
These are resolutions that were adopted.
More examples (2)
Every society should adopt an order of business adapted to its special wants.
Having found a property that 'feels' right you then have to adopt a hard-headed attitude and consider the realities of life in a new environment.
To beat an opponent ten times in a row.
Usage- Slang
- Transitive
- Examples
-
The match was not even close; the IM made amateurish blunders and ended up getting adopted.
Nakamura 'Adopts' Komodo On Fathers Day: 20.5-2.5
More examples (3)
Wednesday's event will offer the Russian grandmaster three opportunities to adopt Rensch, though just like in the Speed Chess Championship, Nepomniachtchi will have to race against the clock.
"That's it, that's it!" the Grandmaster Eric Hansen bellowed after following nine straight losses with a win. "You are not adopting me! Not today, not today!"
There was wasn't much for Gukesh fans to cheer, but at least he avoided the fate of Maghsoodloo, who was "adopted", i.e. beaten 10 games in a row. Gukesh struck in the 2nd 3+1 game, when he was dangerously close to that mark.
Verb
choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
- Examples
-
She followed the feminist movement
The candidate espouses Republican ideals
take up and practice as one's own
take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
When will the new President assume office?
take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
His voice took on a sad tone
The story took a new turn
More examples (3)
he adopted an air of superiority
She assumed strange manners
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables
take into one's family
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
They adopted two children from Nicaragua
put into dramatic form
- Examples
-
adopt a book for a screenplay
take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own
- Broader terms
- Examples
-
She embraced Catholicism
They adopted the Jewish faith