-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