Adapt vs. Adopt: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Adapt means to change or modify for a new purpose, while adopt means to take up, choose, or legally take into a relationship, especially in context to a child.
Key Differences
Adapt refers to altering or modifying something to suit a new or specific use or situation. Adopt, in contrast, involves choosing or taking up something as one's own, which could be an idea, method, or, most commonly, legally taking a child into one's family.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
To adapt means making adjustments in response to new conditions, like adapting to a different climate. To adopt is to accept or start using something new, like adopting a new technology or strategy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Biological adaptation involves species evolving over time to fit their environment. Adoption, in a familial sense, means legally taking another's child and raising it as one's own.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Adapting can also refer to personal or psychological adjustments to different circumstances. In a broader sense, adopting can mean embracing a particular lifestyle or set of beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
In literature or media, adapt means to change a work to fit a different medium, like adapting a novel into a movie. Adopt, however, can mean to take on certain traits or styles, like adopting a new fashion.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
To change or modify for a new purpose
To take up, choose, or legally take into a relationship
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Usage Context
Adjusting to new conditions or environments
Accepting or starting to use something new; legal child care
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Biological Context
Evolutionary changes in species
Not applicable in this context
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Psychological Aspect
Adjusting one's behavior or mindset
Embracing a new lifestyle or beliefs
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
In Literature/Media
Changing a work to fit a different medium
Taking on traits, styles, or practices
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Adapt and Adopt Definitions
Adapt
To make suitable or fit for a new use or situation.
She had to adapt her teaching methods for online classes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adopt
To choose and follow a particular method or idea.
The company adopted a new approach to increase efficiency.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adapt
To change a book, play, or movie to be suitable for a different medium.
The novel was successfully adapted into a hit movie.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adopt
To embrace a certain manner, style, or viewpoint.
He adopted a minimalist lifestyle for a simpler life.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adapt
To modify oneself to suit different conditions.
Plants adapt to survive in harsh environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Adopt
To take up and use something as one's own.
She adopted her grandmother's habit of waking up early.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adapt
In biology, the process of an organism or species adjusting to its environment.
Over centuries, these animals adapted to the colder climate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adopt
To take on the legal responsibilities as parent of (a child that is not one's biological child).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
To make suitable to or fit for a specific use or situation
Adapted the novel into a movie.
Adapted the company policy to take internet use into account.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To become the owner or caretaker of (a pet, especially one from a shelter).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
To cause to be able to survive and reproduce under certain conditions. Used in the passive
“Every species is adapted to a rather restricted selection of properties of the environment” (Ernst Mayr).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take and follow (a course of action, for example) by choice or assent
Adopt a new technique.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
To change in order to meet the requirements of new circumstances or conditions
The music business had to adapt to digital technology.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
To become able to survive and reproduce under certain conditions
Hawks have adapted to living in cities.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
(transitive) To fit by alteration; to modify or remodel for a different purpose; to adjust
To adapt a story for the stage
To adapt an old machine to a new manufacture
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
(transitive) To make by altering or fitting something else; to produce by change of form or character
To bring out a play adapted from the French
A word of an adapted form
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To choose as standard or required in a course
Adopt a new line of English textbooks.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
(intransitive) To make oneself comfortable to a new thing.
They could not adapt to the new climate and so perished.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take (a child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.) by choice into a relationship.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take voluntarily (a child of other parents) to be in the place of, or as, one's own child.
A friend of mine recently adopted a Chinese baby girl found on the streets of Beijing.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To obtain (a pet) from a shelter or the wild.
We're going to adopt a Dalmatian.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
To make suitable; to fit, or suit; to adjust; to alter so as to fit for a new use; - sometimes followed by to or for.
For nature, always in the right,To your decays adapts my sight.
Appeals adapted to his [man's] whole nature.
Streets ill adapted for the residence of wealthy persons.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take by choice into the scope of one's responsibility.
This supermarket chain adopts several families every Yuletide, providing them with money and groceries for the holidays.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
Make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose;
Adapt our native cuisine to the available food resources of the new country
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take or receive as one's own what is not so naturally.
He adopted a new look in order to fit in with his new workmates.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
Adapt or conform oneself to new or different conditions;
We must adjust to the bad economic situation
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To select and take or approve.
To adopt the view or policy of another
These are resolutions that were adopted.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adapt
To adjust ideas or methods in response to changing circumstances.
Businesses must adapt their strategies to stay competitive.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adopt
To beat an opponent ten times in a row.
The match was not even close; the IM made amateurish blunders and ended up getting adopted.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take by choice into relationship, as, child, heir, friend, citizen, etc.; esp. to take voluntarily (a child of other parents) to be in the place of, or as, one's own child.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take or receive as one's own what is not so naturally; to select and take or approve; as, to adopt the view or policy of another; these resolutions were adopted.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
Choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans;
She followed the feminist movement
The candidate espouses Republican ideals
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
Take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities;
When will the new President assume office?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
Take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect;
His 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
Take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own;
She embraced Catholocism
They adopted the Jewish faith
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Adopt
To take into one's family through legal means and raise as one's own child.
They decided to adopt a child from the orphanage.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Adopt
To formally accept a proposal or plan.
The council adopted the new regulations unanimously.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 25, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can "adapt" refer to physical changes?
Yes, "adapt" can refer to physical changes in response to environmental factors, like animals adapting to climate changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Does adapting imply a temporary change?
Adapting can be either temporary or permanent, depending on the context and nature of the adaptation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
How is "adapt" used in technology?
In technology, "adapt" refers to modifying devices or software to suit different conditions or needs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What does it mean to adapt in a work environment?
Adapting in a work environment means adjusting one's skills or methods to new business conditions or job requirements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is adapting always a conscious process?
Adapting can be both a conscious process, like learning a new skill, or unconscious, like natural selection in species.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is adopting a pet similar to adopting a child?
While both involve taking care, adopting a pet lacks the legal and formal procedures involved in child adoption.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is adaptation necessary for survival?
In many cases, adaptation is necessary for survival, especially in changing environmental or social conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What are the legal requirements to adopt a child?
Legal requirements for adoption vary by jurisdiction but generally include background checks, home studies, and legal procedures.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can you adopt a lifestyle or philosophy?
Yes, people can adopt lifestyles or philosophies that align with their values and beliefs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Does adopt always imply a formal process?
Adopting can be a formal process, like in child adoption or policy implementation, or informal, like adopting a new habit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
How do companies adapt to market changes?
Companies adapt to market changes by altering their strategies, products, or services to meet evolving consumer demands.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can organizations adopt policies?
Yes, organizations can adopt new policies to guide their operations and culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What is the process of adopting a new technology?
Adopting new technology involves evaluating, choosing, and integrating it into existing systems or practices.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a country adopt a new law?
Yes, a country can adopt a new law through legislative processes and official ratification.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
How do educators adapt teaching methods for different learners?
Educators adapt teaching methods by using varied techniques and materials to cater to different learning styles and needs.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a person adapt to a new culture?
Yes, people can adapt to new cultures by learning and assimilating different customs and languages.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can "adopt" be used in a business strategy context?
Yes, in business, "adopt" can refer to implementing new strategies, practices, or models in an organization.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What does it mean to adapt a novel into a film?
To adapt a novel into a film means to modify the story and format to suit the medium of cinema.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can "adapt" be used in a personal development context?
Yes, "adapt" is often used in personal development to mean making changes to improve oneself or cope with new challenges.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Does adopting a habit require conscious effort?
Yes, adopting a new habit typically requires conscious effort and repeated practice.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
