Difference between: Adapt, Adept, and Adopt

Similar sound and almost similar spellings, these words are really confusing aren’t they?

Here’s the basic difference between: Adapt, Adept, and Adopt. ‘Adept’ is an adjective, but ‘adopt’ and ‘adapt’ are verbs. Let’s have a look at their meanings.

Adapt

To change for a new situation or purpose, it means to get accustomed to something. It is a verb and it can be either transitive or intransitive.
E.g.

• She has adapted to work life.
• The movie was adapted from a book.

Adept

An adjective which means good at doing something difficult. It is most often used with the preposition ‘at’.
E.g.

• He is adept at using computers.
• They are adept at this form of dancing.

ADOPT

A verb which means, to legally take something as your own or to begin using something. It is always transitive.
E.g.

• Rene was adopted as a child.
• We have adopted a new manner of work.