adopt a term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "adopt a term" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the acceptance or use of a specific word or phrase within a particular context or field. Example: "In our research, we decided to adopt a term that better reflects the evolving nature of the technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A modernity (and postmodernity) that owes far more to the Christian civilization of the West than many heirs of the continental Enlightenment are prepared to concede has produced an often-toxic public culture that is increasingly Christophobic, to adopt a term used by an Orthodox Jew and distinguished international legal scholar, Joseph H. H. Weiler.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

With ambiguous defiance, she made a T-shirt for herself that read "Ik is een allochtoon," adopting a term for "immigrant" that is sometimes applied pejoratively to Holland's black and Muslim residents.

The New Yorker

So we adopted a term 'prevalence' to describe this type of X Y points.

Crime Science

So we adopted a term that seemed close, the carriage, modified by the key thing that was being removed from this mode of transport, the horse.

Forbes

There can be power in serenely or playfully or proudly adopting a term that by tradition is belittling.

Huffington Post

The general combination of traits in domesticated mammals is an ensemble that we will refer to as the "domestication syndrome" (DS) (adopting a term used for domesticated crop plants, e.g., Brown et al. 2008).

Genetics

This paper outlines the development and application of just such a "diplomatic assessment" approach for global health programmes, adopting a term from the art of fencing, and eponymously entitled the Kevany Riposte, due to it's conceptual basis as an innovative and interdisciplinary approach that challenges "siloed" [ 13] or "stovepiped" [ 25] perspectives.

Globalization and Health

Moreover, health insurers should adopt a long term vision and reimburse programs (according to patients, physicians, health insurers, DPH).

BMC Health Services Research

Adopt a long-term view.

The Guardian

Mr. Bernanke has repeatedly called on Congress to adopt a long-term plan for deficit reduction.

The New York Times

Mr. Bernanke has become an outspoken advocate for Congress to adopt a long-term plan for reducing the government's annual deficits and growing debt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing a borrowed or newly created term, clearly define it to ensure your audience understands its specific meaning in your context.

Common error

Avoid using the same term with different meanings throughout your document. If you must, clearly signal any shifts in meaning to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adopt a term" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of accepting and using a specific word or phrase. As suggested by Ludwig, the action shows the start of using a term.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "adopt a term" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of accepting and using specific terminology. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not overly common, its use is seen in reputable sources across "News & Media" and "Science". When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define the term to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "embrace a term", "incorporate a term", and "employ a term". This phrase serves the purpose of clarifying vocabulary within a specific context and can be used in neutral to formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

embrace a term

Emphasizes active acceptance and integration of the term.

incorporate a term

Focuses on integrating the term into a system or framework.

employ a term

Highlights the practical use of the term.

utilize a term

Similar to employ, but may suggest a more strategic or efficient use.

adopt terminology

A more general phrase referring to the adoption of a whole system of terms and vocabulary, not only of an isolated term.

start using a term

Suggests the beginning of the use of a term.

begin to use a term

Similar to "start using a term", but can imply that the use will continue in the future.

accept a term

Suggests agreeing on and recognising the legitimacy of a term.

introduce a term

Focuses on presenting a new term for use, which is the reverse of adopting it.

borrow a term

Specifies that the term is taken from another context or field.

FAQs

How can I use "adopt a term" in a sentence?

You can use "adopt a term" when you want to express the action of starting to use a specific word or phrase in a particular context. For example: "The scientific community decided to "adopt a term" that accurately described the new phenomenon".

What can I say instead of "adopt a term"?

You can use alternatives like "embrace a term", "incorporate a term", or "employ a term" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "adopt a term" and "introduce a term"?

"Adopt a term" implies accepting and using an existing term, while "introduce a term" refers to creating or presenting a new term for others to use.

When is it appropriate to "adopt a term" from another field?

It's appropriate to "adopt a term" from another field when the term accurately describes a concept in your field, and you clearly define its meaning within the new context to avoid ambiguity.