Adopts Word Meaning

late 15th century: via French from Latin adoptare, from ad- ‘to’ + optare ‘choose’

legally take (another's child) and bring it up as one's own

bring up child

• there are many people eager to adopt a baby

choose to take up, follow, or use

choose to use

• this approach has been adopted by many big banks
• we wouldn't be surprised to see more small businesses adopt this technology

take on or assume (an attitude or position)

take on attitude/position

• he adopted a patronizing tone

(of a local authority) accept responsibility for the maintenance of (a road).

maintain road