adoptive

adjective

adop·​tive ə-ˈdäp-tiv 

1

: made or acquired by adoption

the adoptive father

2

: of or relating to adoption

adoptively adverb

Examples of adoptive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Natalia and her former adoptive family remained in the public eye for years amidst ongoing legal battles. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025

Good American Family tells a complete story about Grace’s time with the Barnetts, while also introducing her next adoptive family, the Mans family (Christina Hendricks plays Cynthia and Jerod Haynes plays Antwon). —Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Mar. 2025

She was relinquished by her first adoptive family due to her behavioral issues. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025

How did Natalia Grace end up with a third adoptive family? —Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English adoptif, borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adoptif, going back to Old French, borrowed from Latin adoptīvus, from adoptāre "to adopt" + -īvus -ive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing adoptive

• adoptive immunotherapy
• adoptive parent

Kids Definition

adoptive

adjective

adop·​tive ə-ˈdäp-tiv 

: made by or associated with adoption

the adoptive parents

Legal Definition

adoptive

adjective

adop·​tive ə-ˈdäp-tiv 

1

a

: having adopted

an adoptive parent

b

: having been adopted

an adoptive child

2

: made or acquired by accepting as one's own the words or actions of another

to constitute an adoptive admission…defendant must actually understand what was said and have an opportunity to deny it

—United States v. White, 766 F. Supp. 873 (1991)