These two verbs sound similar, and both are about change. The difference is what changes.
- To adapt is to change yourself or something to suit a new situation.
- To adopt is to take something on, such as an idea, a habit, a rule or a pet, as your own.
Adapt: change to fit
The team had to adapt the plan when it started raining.
Animals adapt to the places they live in.
Adopt: take on as your own
We adopted a new rule: no phones at dinner.
She adopted a kitten from the animal shelter.
Many schools have adopted the new reading scheme.
Easy way to tell them apart
Ask: Is the change a fit, or a choice to keep?
- Changing to suit a new situation? Use adapt.
- Taking something on as your own choice? Use adopt.
💡 The OddLingo Trick
Adapt is about changing your shape to fit a space, like water filling a new glass. Adopt is about bringing something home and keeping it, like the kitten you adopt.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Changing to fit? Use adapt.
❌ The team had to adopt the plan.
✅ The team had to adapt the plan.
Taking on as your own? Use adopt.
❌ We adapted a new rule about homework.
✅ We adopted a new rule about homework.
Useful phrases
- adapt to something: It took time to adapt to the new school.
- adopt an idea or a habit: She adopted a healthier routine.