Meaning & Definition of word "Adopt"

Adopt

/əˈdɒpt/

1. To take up and follow or use (an idea, method, or course of action).
- Example: The committee decided to adopt a new policy for employee conduct.
2. To legally take another's child and bring it up as one's own.
- Example: They planned to adopt a child from the local orphanage.
3. To accept formally or officially.
- Example: The organization will adopt the new guidelines at the next meeting.
4. To choose and make one's own.
- Example: She decided to adopt a more positive attitude towards life.
5. To take on a new form or character.
- Example: The company will adopt a more innovative approach to marketing.

Middle English, from Latin 'adoptare', from 'ad-' + 'optare' (to choose)

adopt a policy:

To formally accept and implement a specific guideline or rule.

adopt an approach:

To take a particular method or way of dealing with a situation.

adopt a child:

To legally take another person's child into one's family.

adoptee:

A person who has been adopted.

adopter:

A person who adopts.

foster:

To care for a child whose parents are unable to provide for them.

Meaning: Adopting a new style or attitude.

Example Sentence: She's really adopted that punk style lately.

Meaning: To pick up or start using something new, like a trend.

Example Sentence: He adopted the vegan lifestyle last year.