Definition

A person, especially a child, who has been taken into a family and given a new home and legal status as a member of that family.

Example

The adoptee was welcomed into the family with open arms.

Conversation

I recently met someone who is an adoptee and has an interesting story.

That sounds fascinating! What did they share with you?

They talked about their experiences growing up and how it shaped their identity as an adoptee.

Wow, I can only imagine how complex that must be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adoptee is formed from "adopt" (from Latin "adoptare", meaning to choose for oneself) and the suffix "-ee" (meaning a person who is the recipient of an action). The word "adoptee" refers to a person who has been chosen and accepted into a family, typically through the legal process of adoption.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who has been 'chosen' ('adopt') to become part of a family, and the '-ee' indicates that this person is the one receiving that choice.

Visually Confused Words