Adopted: meaning, definitions and examples

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adopted

 

[əˈdɒptɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

family relation

The term 'adopted' refers to a person who has been legally taken into another's family and raised as their own child. This can occur for various reasons, including the inability of the biological parents to care for the child or the desire of adoptive parents to provide a home for a child in need.

Synonyms

fostered, received, taken in.

Examples of usage

  • He is my adopted brother.
  • She was adopted at a young age.
  • They have an adopted daughter.
  • The couple is considering adopting a child.
Context #2 | Verb

legal process

To adopt means to take legally the child of another person as one’s own. This process usually involves a legal proceeding where the parental rights of the biological parents are terminated, and the adoptive parents assume all responsibilities and privileges of parenthood.

Synonyms

accept, assume, take on.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to adopt a girl from the orphanage.
  • After months of legal paperwork, they finally adopted.
  • The family adopted a puppy from the shelter.
  • She adopted a new approach to studying.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word traces back to the Latin 'adoptare', which means 'to choose for oneself'.
  • It evolved through Old French before entering the English language in the 15th century.

Historical Perspectives

  • Adoption has existed in various forms throughout history, with the oldest known records from ancient Rome.
  • In many cultures, adoption was used to ensure family name continuation, especially when biological heirs were not available.

Legal Aspects

  • In the U.S., adoption laws vary by state but generally require legal processes to change a child's guardianship.
  • Adopted children have the same legal rights as biological children once the adoption is finalized.

Psychological Insights

  • Studies suggest that adopted children can have unique emotional experiences related to identity and belonging.
  • Therapeutic support can help adopted individuals navigate feelings about their adoption, fostering healthy self-esteem.

Cultural Representation

  • Adoption stories are common in literature and film, often highlighting themes of love, family, and identity.
  • Many contemporary narratives focus on the experiences of adopted children and their journeys of self-discovery.

Translations

Translations of the word "adopted" in other languages:

🇵🇹 adotado

🇮🇳 ग्रहण किया हुआ

🇩🇪 adoptiert

🇮🇩 diadopsi

🇺🇦 усиновлений

🇵🇱 adoptowany

🇯🇵 養子にされた

🇫🇷 adopté

🇪🇸 adoptado

🇹🇷 evlat edinilmiş

🇰🇷 입양된

🇸🇦 مُتبنى

🇨🇿 adoptovaný

🇸🇰 adoptovaný

🇨🇳 被收养的

🇸🇮 posvojen

🇮🇸 adopted

🇰🇿 қабылданған

🇬🇪 დახმარებული

🇦🇿 adopte edilmiş

🇲🇽 adoptado

Word Frequency Rank

At #846 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.