I suspect this word confusion is more likely to be inattention, and with a and o somewhat similar in letter shape, I can see why an author may let this word slip through. And it’s a certainty that a spellcheck won’t catch it as, no matter which word is used, it is spelled correctly but used in the wrong context.
‘Cause, hey, no one is going to adopt a two-pin plug. Nor will anyone adopt a sawed-off shotgun . . . hmmm, I suppose some gun nut might wanna . . . I suppose it’s a possibility that someone might adapt a child, but it sounds cold and Frankenstein-ish. As for adapting or adopting a road . . . well, the first sounds more physical, as if the road is being changed to accommodate an issue while the second has me wondering if someone is planting flowers or keeping it clean.
You may also want to explore “Adaptive vs Adopted vs Adoptive“.
Word Confusions . . .
. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.
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| Adapt | Adopt |
|---|---|
 — |
 — |
| Part of Grammar: | |
| Verb, intransitive & transitive
Third person present verb: adapts |
Verb, transitive
Third person present verb: adopts |
| Verb, intransitive: Make something suitable for a new use or purpose Modify Become adjusted to new conditions Alter [a text] to make it suitable for filming, broadcasting, or the stage Verb, transitive: Modify Alter a text to make it suitable for filming, broadcasting, or the stage |
Legally take another’s child and bring it up as one’s own
Take up or start to use or follow an idea, method, or course of action Take on or assume an attitude or position [Adopt someone as] Choose someone to receive special recognition Formally approve or accept a report or suggestion Choose a textbook as standard or required for a course of study Choose an animal to become a house pet [Of a local authority] Accept responsibility for the maintenance of a road |
| Examples: | |
| Verb, intransitive: A large organization can be slow to adapt to change. The miniseries was adapted from Wouk’s novel. Verb, transitive: The policies can be adapted to suit individual needs and requirements. Mink are well adapted to hunting prey. A large organization can be slow to adapt to change. The miniseries was adapted from Wouk’s novel. |
There are many people eager to adopt a baby.
This approach has been adopted by many big banks. He adopted a patronizing tone. For this exercise, adopt a slightly knees-bent position. At least 23 people adopted as prisoners of conscience remain in jail. The committee voted 5–1 to adopt the proposal. The best way to know a dog’s traits is to adopt a mature dog. |
| Derivatives: | |
| Adjective: adaptable, nonadapting, unadapted, adaptive, adaptogenic, well-adapted Adverb: adaptably, adaptively Noun: adaptability, adapting, adaptation, adaptationism, adaptedness, adapter, adaption, adaptivity, adaptogen, adaptor Verb: misadapt Verb, transitive: readapt |
Adjective: adoptable, quasi-adopted Noun: adoptee, adopter, adopting, nonadopter Verb, transitive: preadopt, quasi-adopt |
| History of the Word: | |
| Late Middle English from the French adapter, which is from the Latin adaptare, from ad-, meaning to + aptare (from aptus, or fit). | Late 15th century via the French from the Latin adoptare, from ad- to + optare meaning choose. |
C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!
Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.
Resources for Adapt versus Adopt
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Sailors Conduct Roadside Cleanup is courtesy of the Official Navy Page from United States of America MC1 Jay C. Pugh/U.S. Navy and Magpie Goose Grooming by Arpingstone; both are in the public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
