adoptive
word
Definition
Used to describe someone who has gained a legal family relationship by adoption, not by birth—such as an adoptive parent or adoptive child.
Usage & Nuances
'Adoptive' is mostly used before 'parent', 'mother', 'father', 'family', and 'child' to clarify the relationship is by adoption. It is not used for animals or processes, and should not be confused with 'adopted', which describes the child.
Spanish: adoptivoPortuguese (BR): adotivoPortuguese (PT): adoptivoChinese (Simplified): 收养的Chinese (Traditional): 收養的Hindi: दत्तक लिया हुआArabic: بالتبني
Example Sentences
She is my adoptive mother.
basic
My adoptive family lives in the city.
basic
Tom loves his adoptive parents very much.
basic
My adoptive dad taught me how to ride a bike.
natural
It took time for the adoptive children to feel at home.
natural
Their adoptive family welcomed them with open arms.
natural