How to pronounce adopt
Say it like uh-DAHPT. Adopt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DAHPT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce adopt. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- DAHPT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Adopt pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- DAHPTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of adopt
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: uh-DOPT.
What does adopt mean?
- choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans“She followed the feminist movement”“The candidate espouses Republican ideals”
- take up and practice as one's own
- take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities“When will the new President assume office?”
Where does adopt come from?
From Middle French adopter, from Latin adoptō; ad + optō (“to choose, desire”), equivalent to ad- + opt.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with adopt
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of adopt.
Questions about saying adopt
How do you pronounce adopt?
Say uh-DAHPT. The American pronunciation is /əˈdɑpt/. In British English it is /əˈdɒpt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in adopt?
Adopt has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (DAHPT). Broken into parts: uh · DAHPT.
Is adopt pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /əˈdɒpt/ (uh-DOPT).