adopt-v; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: take up a plan, idea, cause, or practice to use or follow

Examples:
The company adopted the new guidelines for employee sick leave.
The Fed is expected to adopt a tighter monetary policy under the new chairman.
I think it's time to adopt a different strategy in my dealings with him.
He adopted some techniques of glass-blowing from his teacher.
The author plans to adopt a pseudonym.
She is adopting the Jewish faith of her husband.
The new consulate didn't adopt all the duties and protocols of the former consulate.

Mappings:
VerbNet: characterize-29.2,appoint-29.1,adopt-93
FrameNet: Adopt_selection
PropBank: adopt.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 7

Sense Number 2: acquire, assume, or internalize as one's own attribute

Examples:
They adopted an air of superiority to mere schoolboys.
In Swan Lake, a bewitched princess adopts the form of a swan.
Roz has adopted one or two funny mannerisms since she's been away.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: Adopt_selection
PropBank: adopt.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 3: take into one's family or group

Examples:
We wanted to adopt the two stray kittens.
She was surprised to learn that she couldn't adopt a child from that country.
Mary has sort of adopted the absent-minded professor who lives upstairs.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5

Sense Number 4: dramatize

Examples:
Do you plan to adopt your novel to a screenplay?

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6