Distinguishing Between Adapt & Adopt

Key Difference – Adapt vs Adopt

The two verbs adapt and adopt have similar spellings and pronunciations, but they have completely different meanings. The main difference between adapt and adopt is in their meaning; adapt refers to making something suitable for a new use or purpose, while adopt means to accept something and make it one’s own.

What Does Adapt Mean?

Adapt has two meanings, depending on the grammatical structure of the verb. It can be used as both a transitive and an intransitive verb. As a transitive verb, adapt means making something suitable for a new use or purpose. When you adapt something, you modify it to suit your needs. For example:
– A policy cannot be adapted to suit individual needs.
– She adapted the curriculum to suit the elementary students.
– The building’s kitchen and storage area were adapted for administrative purposes.
– The watch was adapted for underwater use.

As an intransitive verb, adapt means adjusting oneself to new conditions or situations.
– The children soon adapted to the new environment.
– The whole company had to adapt to the new management.
– She adapted to the new school fairly well.
– It takes time to adapt to a new culture.

Adapt can also mean altering something to make it suitable for filming or broadcasting.
– The film was adapted from a Norwegian folktale.
– It took them no time to adapt to the new culture.

What Does Adopt Mean?

Adopt originates from the Latin word adoptare, meaning “to take by choice” or “choose by oneself.” Adopt usually means accepting something as one’s own. This verb is commonly used in relation to adoption; in this context, adopt means to legally take another’s child and raise it as one’s own. However, the meaning of adopt can change according to different contexts.

Bringing up another’s child as one’s own:
– The old childless couple wanted to adopt a child.
– People don’t like to adopt teenagers.

Choosing to adopt or follow a concept, an idea, or a course of action:
– They are adopting a new method for this test.
– The administration decided to adopt strict and rigorous policies.
– They have adopted some local customs.

Choosing and moving to another city or place:
– Although he was born in England, he has adopted India as his home.
– She moved to Australia in the 70s and adopted it as their home.

Assuming an attitude or position:
– If you don’t adopt a positive attitude, you are going to lose this job.
– She has adopted a friendly tone.

As seen from these example sentences, adopt is mainly used as a transitive verb.

What is the Difference between Adapt and Adopt?

Meaning:
– Adapt means to make something suitable for a new use, purpose, or situation.
– Adopt means to take up or accept something as your own.

Verb Type:
– Adapt can be used as both transitive and intransitive verbs.
– Adopt is used with transitive verbs.