Adopted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
adopted
[ษหdษptษชd ]
Definitions
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
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.
legal process
To adopt means to take legally the child of another person as oneโs 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
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'adopted'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'adopted' originates from the Latin word 'adoptare', which means 'to choose for oneself'. It is a combination of 'ad-' meaning 'to' and 'optare', which means 'to choose'. The term began to take on its modern connotation in the context of legal relationships in the Middle Ages. As societies evolved and family structures became more complex, the practice of adoption became formally recognized and codified in various legal systems. The word has since evolved to encompass not only the legal act of adopting a child but also the broader sense of accepting or taking on anything as one's own, such as ideas or new practices. This demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability of language over time, responding to changes in societal values regarding family, belonging, and identity.