What is adoption? Pronunciation and usage in English

adoption means . Learn how to pronounce and use adoption through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of adoption

adoptionnoun

/əˈdɒpʃn//əˈdɑːpʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "adoption." It's a tricky one for some! Here’s a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌædˈpʃən/ (This is IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˌ (Macron): This symbol indicates a secondary stress. It means you should emphasize the second syllable.
  • ad: Pronounced like the "a" in "add" or "bad." Short and quick.
  • p: Pronounced as you'd expect - a simple “p.”
  • sh: Pronounced like the “sh” in “ship” or “shoe.”
  • ən: This is the sound of “on” with a slight “uh” sound blended in. It’s a short, unstressed sound.

Putting it all together, it sounds like: “ad-p-shun” (emphasizing the "sh" part).

Here’s how it sounds (you can listen to it online):

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce adoption" on Google. You’ll find audio examples instantly.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/adoption/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "pronunciation of adoption" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • “adop-tion”: (with a hard "o" sound) - This is a common mistake.
  • “ad-pash-un”: (breaking it into three syllables) - It’s best to keep it as two syllables.

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?

Usage and examples with the word adoption in English

Let's break down how to use the word "adoption" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Legal Adoption (The most common meaning)

  • Definition: The legal process by which a person or couple becomes the legal parent(s) of a child who is not biologically theirs.
  • Examples:
    • "They went through a lengthy adoption process to bring their daughter home."
    • "International adoption is becoming increasingly popular."
    • "The court approved the adoption of the two children."
    • “He’s currently involved in helping families navigate the adoption system.”
  • Related terms: Foster care, step-parent adoption, open adoption, private adoption, agency adoption.

2. Adoption (as a Verb - Taking on something)

  • Definition: To take on or accept something; to embrace or accept. This is a broader, more figurative use.
  • Examples:
    • "She adopted a new approach to her work." (Meaning: She started doing things differently.)
    • “The company adopted a more sustainable business model.” (Meaning: They implemented sustainable practices.)
    • "The team adopted the slogan 'Together We Can.'" (Meaning: They chose that slogan to represent themselves.)
    • "He adopted the dog from the shelter." (Meaning: He took responsibility for caring for the dog.)

3. Adoption (as a Noun - Accepting a plant)

  • Definition: The process of rooting a plant in a new location.
  • Examples:
    • "We need to help this cutting with adoption." (Meaning: We need to help it root.)
    • “The plant needed regular adoption to thrive.”

4. Adoption (Informal – Accepting a belief or cause)

  • Definition: To embrace or support a particular idea, belief, or cause. This is less formal than the verb "adopt".
  • Examples:
    • "He adopted the belief that honesty is the best policy." (Meaning: He came to believe this.)
    • "Many people adopted the idea of working from home." (Meaning: They began to support the idea.)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Context is crucial: Always pay attention to the surrounding words and sentences to determine the intended meaning of "adoption."
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Adoption" as a verb (taking on something) is more formal than "adoption" as an informal acceptance of a belief.
  • Legal Adoption is specific: When referring to the legal process, be precise and use related terms like "foster care" to avoid confusion.

Resources for Further Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a story, an essay, a conversation?)
  • In what context are you using the word "adoption"? (e.g., are you talking about a child, a business strategy, a plant?)

Synonyms for the word adoption

Practice with vocabulary adoption

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The legal process for the permanent transfer of parental rights and responsibilities to new parents is commonly referred to as ___________.
  2. The company's swift ___________ of cloud computing infrastructure led to significant improvements in data management efficiency.
  3. Successful ___________ of the new regulations will require clear communication and training across all departments.
  4. A key challenge for businesses operating internationally is the constant ___________ to diverse cultural and economic environments.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms refer to the formal legal process of becoming a parent to a child who is not biologically one's own? A) Adoption B) Custody C) Fostering D) Guardianship

  2. Which of these words describe the process where an organization begins to formally use a new system, strategy, or belief? (Choose all that apply) A) Adoption B) Implementation C) Integration D) Modification

  3. Choosing to accept a new cultural practice or belief can be described as its: A) Adoption B) Rejection C) Abandonment D) Preservation

  4. When a person or group adjusts their behavior, ideas, or practices to fit new conditions or circumstances, this process is known as: (Choose all that apply) A) Variation B) Evolution C) Adaptation D) Mutation

  5. To put a plan or decision into effect is to: A) Execute B) Propose C) Analyze D) Deliberate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Many countries have recently decided to take up stricter environmental policies. Rewrite using "adoption" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The family was in the process of formally accepting a child into their home. Rewrite using "adoption" or a related word form:

  3. Original: Companies must be quick to accept and use new technologies to stay competitive. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "adoption" or related forms):

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. adoption
  2. adoption
  3. implementation
  4. adaptation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Adoption
  2. A) Adoption, B) Implementation, C) Integration
  3. A) Adoption
  4. C) Adaptation
  5. A) Execute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The recent adoption of stricter environmental policies has been observed in many countries.
  2. The family was in the process of finalizing the child's adoption into their home.
  3. Companies must ensure rapid implementation of new technologies to stay competitive.

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