1. adopt, follow, espouse, choose, take, select, pick out
usage: choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans; "She followed the feminist movement"; "The candidate espouses Republican ideals"
2. adopt, borrow, take over, take up, accept, take, have
usage: take up and practice as one's own
3. assume, adopt, take on, take over, take office
usage: take on titles, offices, duties, responsibilities; "When will the new President assume office?"
4. assume, acquire, adopt, take on, take, change
usage: take on a certain form, attribute, or aspect; "His voice took on a sad tone"; "The story took a new turn"; "he adopted an air of superiority"; "She assumed strange manners"; "The gods assume human or animal form in these fables"
5. adopt, take in, take
usage: take into one's family; "They adopted two children from Nicaragua"