adopt

Compared meaning: to accept and support an idea (verb).

比较义项：采纳、支持某种想法或方案（动词）。

• adopt 本词

  Adopt means to actually start using or practicing an idea, method or policy; it is common and neutral in register, and does not imply publicly announcing one's stance.

  adopt 指真正开始采纳并使用某种想法、方法或政策，语气中性常用，不强调公开宣布自己的立场。

  The school decided to adopt a new method for teaching math this year.

  学校决定今年采用一种新的数学教学方法。

• espouse

  Espouse means to publicly express support for a belief, cause or plan; it is formal or literary, often paired with abstract ideas, and does not necessarily mean putting the idea into practice.

  espouse 指公开表示支持某种信仰、主张或计划，语气正式、偏书面，常与抽象理念搭配，不一定意味着真正将其付诸实践。

  Many young voters espouse ideas about protecting the environment.

  许多年轻选民支持关于保护环境的理念。

Adopt and espouse both mean to support an idea or plan. Adopt means actually using it. Espouse means publicly stating support for a belief; it is formal and does not require action. Adopting a child and espouse meaning 'to marry' are not compared.

这两个词都可以表示对某种想法、计划或政策表示认可，但 adopt 强调真正开始采纳并加以实行，语气中性常用；espouse 强调公开表明自己支持某种信仰或主张，语气正式、偏书面，不一定付诸实践。这里不比较 adopt 的“收养（孩子）”义项，也不比较 espouse 的“迎娶，嫁给”这一旧用法义项。