Adopt vs Acquire - What's the Difference?

Acquire

Adopt

Definitions

Definition as Verb
  • locate (a moving entity) by means of a tracking system such as radar
  • take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
  • gain through experience
  • come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
  • come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes)
  • gain knowledge or skills
  • win something through one's efforts
Definition as Verb
  • take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities
  • take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect
  • take up and practice as one's own
  • put into dramatic form
  • take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own
  • choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
  • take into one's family

Synonyms

Examples

  • "His voice took on a sad tone"; "The story took a new turn"; "he adopted an air of superiority"; "She assumed strange manners"; "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables"
  • "I acquired a strong aversion to television"; "Children must develop a sense of right and wrong"; "Dave developed leadership qualities in his new position"; "develop a passion for painting"
  • "She got a lot of paintings from her uncle"; "They acquired a new pet"; "Get your results the next day"; "Get permission to take a few days off from work"
  • "He grew a beard"; "The patient developed abdominal pains"; "I got funny spots all over my body"; "Well-developed breasts"
  • "She learned dancing from her sister"; "I learned Sanskrit"; "Children acquire language at an amazing rate"
  • "I acquired a passing knowledge of Chinese"; "Gain an understanding of international finance"; "win someone's confidence and friendship"
  • "When will the new President assume office?"
  • "His voice took on a sad tone"; "The story took a new turn"; "he adopted an air of superiority"; "She assumed strange manners"; "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables"
  • "adopt a book for a screenplay"
  • "She embraced Catholicism"; "They adopted the Jewish faith"
  • "She followed the feminist movement"; "The candidate espouses Republican ideals"
  • "They adopted two children from Nicaragua"

Parts of Speech

Verb
Verb

Related

See also

Sentences with the word Acquire?
Sentences with the word Adopt?
What is another word for Acquire?
What is another word for Adopt?