Definition

Relating to the act of taking someone else's child into your family as your own.

Example

She has an adoptive mother who loves her just like her biological parents.

Conversation

Have you ever met someone who has an adoptive family?

Yeah, my neighbor was adopted, and they seem really close.

It's interesting how adoptive relationships can be just as strong as biological ones.

Absolutely, love is what truly makes a family, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Adoptive → It is formed from "adopt" (from Latin "adoptare", meaning to choose for oneself) and "-ive" (meaning having the nature of). The word "adoptive" refers to having the nature of choosing someone as one's own, particularly in the context of family or guardianship.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'adopt' which means to choose someone as your own, and the '-ive' ending suggests a quality or nature. This helps you remember that 'adoptive' describes something that has the nature of choosing someone as part of a family.

Visually Confused Words