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adopt

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The definition of adopt is to willingly take one into a relationship, particularly in the case of an orphaned child.

(verb)

An example of adopt is to permanently take in a kitten from a shelter.

Adopt is defined as to accept an idea or to choose and follow a course of action.

(verb)

An example of adopt is to accept and implement a plan presented to a committee.

See adopt in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to choose and bring into a certain relationship; specif., to take into one's own family by legal process and raise as one's own child
to take up and use (an idea, a practice, etc.) as one's own
to choose and follow (a course)
to vote to accept (a committee report, motion, etc.)
to select as a required textbook

Origin: L adoptare < ad-, to + optare, to choose

Related Forms:

adoptable adjective
adoptee noun
adopter noun
adoption noun

See adopt in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb a·dopt·ed, a·dopt·ing, a·dopts

To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child.
a. To take and follow (a course of action, for example) by choice or assent: adopt a new technique.
b. To take up and make one's own: adopt a new idea.
To take on or assume: adopted an air of importance.
To vote to accept: adopt a resolution.
To choose as standard or required in a course: adopt a new line of English textbooks.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English adopten

Origin: , from Old French adopter

Origin: , from Latin adoptāre

Origin: : ad-, ad-

Origin: + optāre, to choose

Related Forms:

a·doptˌa·bilˈi·ty noun

a·doptˈa·ble adjective

a·doptˈer noun

a·dopˈtion noun

Usage Note: Children are adopted by parents, and one normally refers to an adopted child but to adoptive parents, families, and homes. When describing places, one can use either adopted or adoptive: She enjoys living in her adopted country. Detroit is their adoptive city.

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