What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adoptive
Example
The couple decided to become adoptive parents and provide a loving home for a child in need. [adoptive: adjective]
Example
She has always considered her adoptive parents as her real parents, even though they are not biologically related. [adoptive: adjective]
surrogate
Example
The couple opted for surrogacy as a way to have a child since they were unable to conceive on their own. [surrogacy: noun]
Example
She acted as a surrogate mother for her sister who was unable to carry a pregnancy to term. [surrogate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adoptive is more commonly used than surrogate in everyday language, as it is a more common process for creating a family unit. Surrogate is more commonly used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adoptive and surrogate?
Both adoptive and surrogate are formal terms used in legal and medical contexts. However, adoptive is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while surrogate is more specific to medical contexts and may not be used as frequently in everyday language.
