adj
adoptive
uh-DOP-tihv
adj
1
Related by adoption rather than by birth.
"Her adoptive parents raised her from infancy."
"He stayed close to his adoptive family throughout his life."
How to Use Adoptive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a family relationship formed through adoption.
Common mistake
Use "adoptive" for the parents/family ("adoptive mother") and "adopted" for the child ("adopted son") — they aren't interchangeable.
Easily confused with
adopted
Common pairings
adoptive parents
adoptive family
adoptive father
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Her _____ parents raised her from infancy.
Etymology
From adopt + the adjective-forming suffix -ive.