- 2-minute read
- 8th April 2013
Word Choice: Adapt vs. Adopt
In this blog post, we explain the difference between two words that many people use incorrectly: ‘adapt’ and ‘adopt’.
These words are easily confused because they sound similar when spoken and look similar on the page. However, they mean completely different things.
Adapt (Adjust Something for a New Purpose)
‘Adapt’ is a verb that means ‘make something suitable for a new purpose’.
For example, if I am making an album of classical music played by a rock band, I might adapt Beethoven’s 5th Symphony for electric guitar, bass and drums.
Alternatively, if I am a cook trying to make a vegan chocolate cake, I could adapt an existing recipe to suit my vegan diet.
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Adopt (Make Something One’s Own)
‘Adopt’ is also a verb, but it means ‘make something one’s own’. For example, when parents ‘adopt’ a child they take legal responsibility for his or her welfare.
This term can also apply to ideas or techniques. For instance, an artist might ‘adopt’ the style of another artist by copying their brushstrokes or themes.
Summary: Adapt or Adopt?
If you find these words confusing, remember:
- Adapt means ‘adjust something for a new purpose’.
- Adopt means ‘make something one’s own’.
It can be easy to overlook confusions of ‘adapt’ and ‘adopt’, though. If you are unsure whether the words you have use are correct, why not submit submit your work for proofreading today?
