Adapt vs Adopt
What’s the difference between them?
Adapt
Meaning:
to make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose by modifying it.
Examples:
1. The students adapted quickly to the new learning environment.
2. I had to adapt to the situation quickly or I would have been in trouble.
3. They have adapted their business model to the changing market.
Adopt
Meaning:
To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child.
Examples:
1. We decided to adopt a rescue dog from the local shelter.
2. The new policy was quickly adopted by the board members.
3. We adopted a vegan lifestyle last year.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adapt
1. Modify
2. Alter
3. Change
4. Adjust
5. Convert
1. Resist
2. Refuse
3. Reject
4. Dismiss
5. Refrain from
Adopt
1. Take in
2. Take up
3. Take on
4. Acquire
5. Embrace
1. Reject
2. Dismiss
3. Abandon
4. Refuse
5. Disregard
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Adapt", "Adopt".
1. Adapt means to make suitable for a particular purpose or situation, through changing or modifying it.
2. Adapt is often used when referring to a process of change.
3. Think of the word 'adapt' as 'adjust' to help remember the meaning of this word.
4. Adopt means to take on, or accept as one’s own.
5. Think of the word 'adopt' as 'accept' to help remember the meaning of this word.
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The word 'adapt' is typically used to describe changing or adjusting to a new situation. For example, if something needs to be changed in order to fit the environment or situation it is in, you would use the word 'adapt' to indicate that the change is necessary.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The word 'adopt' is typically used to describe the act of taking something on as one’s own. For example, if a person is taking on a particular set of beliefs or attitudes, they would use the word 'adopt' to indicate that they have taken ownership of those beliefs or attitudes.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. The word 'adapt' is pronounced with a short 'a' sound, while the word 'adopt' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is using them interchangeably. It is important to remember that the word 'adapt' is used to describe a change or adjustment, while the word 'adopt' is used to describe taking something on as one’s own.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The company had to _______ to the changing market conditions by offering new services.
2. Many couples choose to _______ a child after finding out they cant conceive naturally.
3. To survive in different habitats, animals often _______ to their surroundings.
4. After moving to another country, she decided to _______ the local customs and traditions.
5. Its essential for businesses to _______ to new technologies to remain competitive.
6. The couple was thrilled when they got the approval to _______ a baby girl from the orphanage.
1. Answer: adapt
Explanation: The context of the sentence revolves around changing or modifying services due to market conditions, which aligns with the meaning of adapt.
2. Answer: adopt
Explanation: The sentence contextually discusses taking a child into a family, which matches the definition of adopt.
3. Answer: adapt
Explanation: The context here is about animals changing to fit into different habitats, so adapt is the correct choice.
4. Answer: adopt
Explanation: The context of the sentence suggests taking on or embracing local customs, which corresponds with the meaning of adopt.
5. Answer: adapt
Explanation: The phrase to new technologies hints at the need for businesses to change or modify, thus the word adapt fits best.
6. Answer: adopt
Explanation: The sentence context refers to taking a child from an orphanage into a family, which directly aligns with the definition of adopt.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.