adop·tive \-ptiv, -ēv also -əv\adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adoptif, from Latin adoptivus, from adoptare to adopt + -ivus -ive — more at adopt 1.: of or relating to adoption 2.: made or acquired by adoption < an adoptive father > < an adoptive country > 3.: tending or inclined to adopt < a gentle adoptive matron > • adop·tive·ly\-tə̇vlē, -li\adverb