“Adapt” vs. “Adopt”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “adapt” and “adopt”

  • "Adopt" implies a deliberate agreement or choice, while "adapt" refers to a process of adjustment.
  • "Adapt" focuses on changing or modifying something to fit a specific circumstance, while "adopt" is about taking on something new entirely.
  • "Adapt" is often used for a situation or state, while "adopt" is typically used in more specific contexts such as adopting a child or adopting a new business strategy.
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What is the definition of “adapt” and “adopt”?

Adapt
  • To make suitable or to adjust to a new situation.
  • The process of modifying or changing something to better suit a circumstance.
  • To become accustomed to new environments.
Adopt
  • To take on or formally choose a specific practice or behavior.
  • To legally take someone else's child and raise them as one's own.
  • To implement or embrace a new idea or technology.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Adopt” is the more popular variant on the web.
Adapt
502,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. He was able to adapt quickly to the new work environment.
  2. Our bodies are amazing at adapting to new situations and environments.
  3. We had to adapt when our neighborhood got flooded.
More popular
Adopt
756,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The couple decided to adopt a child from a foreign country.
  2. We should adopt more environmentally-friendly practices in our daily lives.
  3. She decided to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle for ethical reasons.
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