adoptive

adoptive Definition

adop·tive (ə däp′tiv)

adjective

Etymology: L adoptivus

adoptive Related Forms

adop′·tively adverb

adoptive Law Definition

adj

Related by virtue of an adoption. For example, an adult who adopts a child is that childs adoptive parent. (Although the adult is referred to as the adoptive parent, the minor is known as the adopted child.)
Pertaining to an adoption of any kind. For example, by adoptive works or conduct, one may accept legal responsibility for the act of another.

adoptive Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

parent: Emily's adoptive parents are both dead, by no accident.
father: Thus Matthew probably assumes that Jesus has a claim to David's throne via his adoptive, legal father Joseph.
mother: A beautiful toddler who charmed everyone except his adoptive mother.
placement: He needs an adoptive placement together with his older brothers.
family: A totally new approach to seeking adoptive families or foster carers for children.
daughter: She lives with her father and her native adoptive daughter Camille.

Modifying Another Word

even: She has been taken to extremes most parents - even adoptive ones - will never have to confront.

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