adapt / adopt / adept
Three words that look related and do different work.
To adapt is to change something, or oneself, to fit a new use or condition: adapt the novel, adapt to the climate. To adopt is to take up as one’s own: a child, a policy, a method. Adept is an adjective meaning skilled (adept at revision); as a noun it means an expert. Do not use adapt a child or adopt to change.
Examples
UseThe play was adapted from the novel.
UseThe board adopted the new rule.
UseShe is adept at tight deadlines.
AvoidThe board adapted the new rule. (Unless they revised it to fit; if they simply accepted it, the verb is adopted.)