Adapt vs. Adopt

Have you ever paid attention to the differences between 'adapt' and 'adopt'? Well, come with me, and let's find out all about them here.

What Is Their Main Difference?

These two words are totally different. However, their dictations lead to many people using them mistakenly. 'Adopt' refers to having something for yourself legally, while 'adapt' indicates changing yourself to be able to live in a particular situation, condition, etc.

Differences

As stated above, 'adapt' refers to changing yourself in order to fit in a particular situation, condition, etc. Or if a book or play is adapted for film, television, etc., it is changed so that it can be made into a film, television program, etc. Look:

Fortunately, Suzie quickly adapted adapted herself to country life.

Although The Great Gatsby movie was adapted from the book, it was not that good.

'Adopt' means to get or choose something or someone (either legally or by some means such as voting). Take a look at the examples below to understand it:

In order to adopt a child, first you have to show that you are qualified enough to raise a kid properly.

My coworker has been so busy since she's adopted three cats.

Similarities

Their only similarity is that only one of their letters is different.

Are They Interchangeable?

Since each has a completely different meaning, if we use them interchangeably, the sentence will have a totally different meaning. If you take a look at the following examples, you will notice that one cannot 'adapt' a child. We use 'adapt' to refer to adjusting ourselves to a particular situation. Compare:

✓ I heard you've decided to adopt another child.

X I heard you've decided to adapt another child.

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