 ADAPT vs ADOPT Due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, these two words are often confused. Let's break it down. ADAPT is used as a verb and refers to the action of taking something and changing it for a special purpose. For example, a screenwriter successfully adapts the book to make it work as a movie. ADOPT is also used as a verb but has a different meaning. It refers to the action of taking something and using it or making it your own. For example, because they couldn't have children of their own, they decided to adopt a child. So remember, ADAPT means to change something for a special purpose and ADOPT means to make something your own. That's it for today. See you next time.