Adoption vs. Approval — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 28, 2024
Adoption involves taking something up as one's own, like a practice or child, while approval means official consent or agreement, emphasizing acceptance.
Difference Between Adoption and Approval
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Adoption is the process or act of legally taking another's child and bringing it up as one's own or accepting and starting to use something, such as a new method. On the other hand, approval refers to the formal consent given by an authority, signifying agreement or endorsement of an action, plan, or product.
Adoption, in its most personal form, creates a new, permanent family relationship that is legally recognized and comes with all the rights and responsibilities of a biological parent-child relationship. Whereas approval, especially in a professional or formal context, is a necessary step to validate decisions, projects, or policies and does not imply a long-term commitment or relationship.
In the context of ideas, practices, or technologies, adoption signifies a willingness to integrate something new into existing systems or lifestyles, often requiring a change or adjustment. Approval, in these cases, may be a precursor, granting the authority or permission to proceed with the adoption but does not necessarily mean participation or personal commitment to the change.
Adoption is driven by a desire to expand, innovate, or fill a gap, such as a family wanting to grow or an organization needing a new solution. Approval is motivated by the need to ensure that proposals align with set standards, regulations, or expectations before proceeding.
The impact of adoption can be transformative, altering the structure of a family or fundamentally changing how an organization operates. The impact of approval, while significant, often serves as a gateway to further action, enabling the subsequent steps rather than being the final transformation.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Taking something up as one's own, including legal guardianship.
Official consent or agreement by an authority.
Context
Personal (e.g., child adoption), organizational (e.g., technology).
Professional, organizational, regulatory.
Emphasizes
Commitment, integration, long-term change.
Consent, endorsement, preliminary agreement.
Process
Involves legal procedures for personal adoption, decision-making for organizational.
Requires evaluation and consent from authoritative bodies.
Outcome
Creates a new, permanent relationship or integrates a new system.
Grants permission or validation, allowing further action.
Compare with Definitions
Adoption
Choosing to take up or follow.
Her adoption of a vegan lifestyle was inspired by health reasons.
Approval
Formal agreement or consent by an authority.
The new drug has received FDA approval.
Adoption
Legal process of becoming a non-biological parent.
Their adoption of the two siblings was finalized last month.
Approval
Sanction or endorsement of a plan or idea.
The budget received unanimous approval from the board.
Adoption
Incorporation of a new practice or policy within an organization.
The adoption of remote work policies has been widespread.
Approval
Acceptance of standards or regulations.
The construction plans were in line with city council approval.
Adoption
Acceptance and implementation of a new idea or technology.
The company's adoption of cloud computing has improved efficiency.
Approval
Acknowledgment of something as satisfactory.
The project moved forward with the manager's approval.
Adoption
Accepting something new as part of a system or collection.
The museum's adoption of contemporary art pieces expanded its collection.
Approval
Expression of favorable opinion or support.
Her proposal won the approval of the committee.
Adoption
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting of another, usually a child, from that person's biological or legal parent or parents. Legal adoptions permanently transfer all rights and responsibilities, along with filiation, from the biological parent or parents.
Approval
The act or an instance of approving.
Adoption
To take on the legal responsibilities as parent of (a child that is not one's biological child).
Approval
An official approbation; a sanction.
Adoption
To become the owner or caretaker of (a pet, especially one from a shelter).
Approval
Favorable regard; commendation.
Adoption
To take and follow (a course of action, for example) by choice or assent
Adopt a new technique.
Approval
An expression granting permission; an indication of agreement with a proposal; an acknowledgement that a person, thing, or event meets requirements.
I need to get an approval on this purchase order.
Adoption
To take up and make one's own
Adopt a new idea.
Approval
An expression of favorable acceptance and encouragement; a compliment that also condones.
Words of approval never seem to come from him.
Adoption
To move to or resettle in (a place).
Approval
Something mailed by a seller to a collector to match their stated interests; the collector can approve of or return the item.
Adoption
To take on or assume
Adopted an air of importance.
Approval
Approbation; sanction.
A censor . . . without whose approval n capital sentences are to be executed.
Adoption
To vote to accept
Adopt a resolution.
Approval
The formal act of giving approval;
He gave the project his blessing
His decision merited the approval of any sensible person
Adoption
To choose as standard or required in a course
Adopt a new line of English textbooks.
Approval
A feeling of liking something or someone good;
Although she fussed at them, she secretly viewed all her children with approval
Adoption
The act of adopting. en
Approval
Acceptance as satisfactory;
He bought it on approval
Adoption
The state of being adopted; the acceptance of a child of other parents as if he or she were one's own child.
A Chinese baby girl was given away for adoption.
Another Chinese boy was put up for adoption.
Approval
A message expressing a favorable opinion;
Words of approval seldom passed his lips
Adoption
Admission to an institution, for example a hospital, clinic, mental asylum.
The adoption of people into hospitals or monasteries
Adoption
The choosing and making that to be one's own which originally was not so; acceptance
The adoption of opinions
The adoption of words from another language
Adoption
(computing) Transfer between an old system to another (usually better) system.
Our company is considering the adoption of a four-day week.
Adoption
(theology) An act of divine grace by which the redeemed in Christ are admitted to the privileges of the sons of God.
Adoption
Ten consecutive wins against an opponent.
Infuriated by his adoption yesterday, the chess master has resolved to study twice as long and twice as hard.
Adoption
The act of adopting, or state of being adopted; voluntary acceptance of a child of other parents to be the same as one's own child.
Adoption
Admission to a more intimate relation; reception; as, the adoption of persons into hospitals or monasteries, or of one society into another.
Adoption
The choosing and making that to be one's own which originally was not so; acceptance; as, the adoption of opinions.
Adoption
The act of accepting with approval; favorable reception;
Its adoption by society
The proposal found wide acceptance
Adoption
The appropriation (of ideas or words etc) from another source;
The borrowing of ancient motifs was very apparent
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between adoption and approval?
Adoption involves taking up or integrating something as one's own, such as a child or a new system, while approval is the official consent or endorsement from an authority.
Is adoption always legal?
In the context of child adoption, it is a legal process. In other contexts, it refers to the acceptance and implementation of something new and doesn't necessarily involve legalities.
Can approval lead to adoption?
Yes, approval often precedes adoption, especially in contexts where formal consent is needed to implement a new idea, practice, or technology.
What are some common areas where approval is required?
Approval is commonly required in regulatory, organizational, and professional contexts, such as drug approvals, project endorsements, and policy implementations.
How does adoption impact an individual or organization?
Adoption can significantly transform an individual's life, such as through child adoption, or alter organizational practices and culture, leading to potentially long-term changes.
Does approval guarantee success?
Approval indicates endorsement and permission to proceed but does not guarantee the success of the subsequent adoption or implementation.
Can something be adopted without approval?
In informal contexts or personal decisions, adoption can occur without formal approval. However, in formal, regulatory, or organizational settings, approval is often a prerequisite.
What motivates the approval process?
The approval process is motivated by the need to ensure proposals meet established standards, regulations, or expectations for safety, efficacy, and alignment with goals.
Does approval affect adoption rates?
Yes, the ease or difficulty of obtaining approval can influence the rate at which new technologies, practices, or policies are adopted within a society or organization.
How is adoption viewed in society?
Adoption is generally viewed positively, as it can provide children in need with a family and facilitate the integration of beneficial innovations and practices.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
