English dictionary



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English verb: adopt

1. adopt (possession) choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans


SamplesShe followed the feminist movement.
The candidate espouses Republican ideals.


Synonymsespouse, follow


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)choose, pick out, select, take


Narrower (hyponym)adhere, stick


Verb groupabide by, comply, follow

2. adopt (possession) take up and practice as one's own


Synonymsborrow, take over, take up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s something from somebody


Broader (hypernym)accept, have, take

3. adopt (social) take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities


SamplesWhen will the new President assume office?.


Synonymsassume, take on, take over


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)take office


Narrower (hyponym)resume

4. adopt (change) take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect


SamplesHis voice took on a sad tone.
The story took a new turn.
He adopted an air of superiority.
She assumed strange manners.
The gods assume human or animal form in these fables.


Synonymsacquire, assume, take, take on


Pattern of useSomething ----s something


Broader (hypernym)change


Narrower (hyponym)re-assume

5. adopt (change) take into one's family


SamplesThey adopted two children from Nicaragua.


Synonymstake in


Pattern of useSomebody ----s somebody.
Somebody ----s somebody PP


Broader (hypernym)take

6. adopt (creation) put into dramatic form


SamplesAdopt a book for a screenplay.


ExamplesDid he adopt his major works over a short period of time?


Synonymsdramatise, dramatize


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)compose, indite, pen, write


Domain categoryauthorship, composition, penning, writing

7. adopt (cognition) take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own


SamplesShe embraced Catholicism.
They adopted the Jewish faith.


Synonymsembrace, espouse, sweep up


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something


Broader (hypernym)accept


Narrower (hyponym)fasten on, hook on, latch on, seize on, take up









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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