Family / B2

uh-DOPT/əˈdɒpt/

To adopt is to take a child legally as your own, or to start using a policy or method: adopt a child; adopt a scheme. Adaptation/adapt are already in the dictionary and are not the same. Introduce is close for policies. Boards adopted a new marking scheme. Do not mix with adapt to a climate.

Meaning

To take a child legally as your own; also to start using a method or policy.

Examples

• “The board adopted a new marking scheme after the appeal.”
• “They hope to adopt after the assessment, which is the family-law sense.”

Good to know

adopt a policy / method / child. Mix-up: adapt (change yourself). Close (policy): introduce / take up. Family law vs committee minutes. Two senses — keep them clear.

Topics

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