adopter
UK[əˈdɒptə]US[əˈdɑːptər]
n
A person or organization that adopts something, such as a new technology, idea, or practice.
n
A person who legally takes another's child as their own.
Morpheme Breakdown
adopt
er
adopt
to take by choice.
er
Etymology
The word 'adopter' is built upon the verb 'adopt', which originates from the Latin compound adoptare, meaning "to choose for oneself." This Latin term itself is a fusion of the preposition ad-, signifying "to" or "toward," and the verb optare, meaning "to choose, wish, or desire." The suffix -er, a common Germanic agent-noun ending, was appended to form a noun denoting "one who chooses or takes on." Thus, the literal sense of "one who chooses" evolved into the modern meanings of someone who legally takes a child into their family or who embraces a new innovation.
Analysis
Structure: adopt + er
- adopt: From Latin adoptare, from ad- (to) + optare (to choose, desire). The verb form meaning "to take by choice."
- er: From Old English -ere, an agent noun suffix indicating "one who does or performs an action."
Examples
Early adopters of electric vehicles often benefit from government incentives.
The agency is seeking loving adopters for the rescued animals.
As a technology adopter, she is always the first to try the latest software.