appropriate

American  

[uh-proh-pree-it, uh-proh-pree-eyt] / əˈproʊ pri ɪt, əˈproʊ priˌeɪt /

adjective

1. suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person, occasion, etc..

   an appropriate example;

   an appropriate dress.

   Synonyms:

   meet, pertinent, becoming, due, proper, suited, felicitous, apt, befitting

   Antonyms:

   inept, inappropriate, unsuitable

2. belonging to or peculiar to a person; proper.

   Each played his appropriate part.

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verb (used with object)

appropriated, appropriating

1. to set apart, authorize, or legislate for some specific purpose or use.

   The legislature appropriated funds for the university.

   Synonyms:

   assign, allocate, apportion

2. to take to or for oneself; take possession of.

3. to take without permission or consent; seize; expropriate.

   He appropriated the trust funds for himself.

4. to steal, especially to commit petty theft.

appropriate British  

adjective

1. right or suitable; fitting

2. rare particular; own

   they had their appropriate methods

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verb

1. to take for one's own use, esp illegally or without permission

2. to put aside (funds, etc) for a particular purpose or person

Other Word Forms

• appropriable adjective
• appropriately adverb
• appropriateness noun
• appropriative adjective
• appropriativeness noun
• appropriator noun
• nonappropriative adjective
• quasi-appropriate adjective
• reappropriate verb (used with object)
• well-appropriated adjective

Etymology

Origin of appropriate

First recorded in 1515–25; from Late Latin appropriātus “made one's own” (past participle of appropriāre ), equivalent to Latin ap- ap- ¹ + propri(us) “one's own, special, particular” + -ātus -ate ¹

Explanation

Something appropriate is correct and fits the situation. A sweater-vest with reindeer on it is appropriate holiday apparel, even if it's totally embarrassing. The adjective appropriate is used when something is suitable or fitting. It comes from the Latin appropriare, which means "to make something fit, to make something one's own." Going back even further, appropriate is related to the Latin word proprius, "to belong to a person, thing, or group." Another appropriate way to use this word is as a verb, meaning to steal or seize something, the way you'd appropriate your sister's sandwich if she left it sitting near you.

Example Sentences

The statement said that scientists, medical professionals, and toxicologists, evaluate ingredients “for safety, and products are thoroughly assessed and, where appropriate, tested to ensure they’re gentle and suitable even for the most sensitive skin.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Critics likewise dismissed those steps as cosmetic measures, but Min Aung Hlaing said his government will "grant appropriate amnesties to support social reconciliation, justice and peace".

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Changing the statement along these lines would indicate that rate increases could be appropriate if inflation continues to run too far above the Fed’s target, the minutes said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

At the same time, he announced that appropriate procedures would be established in the event of a crisis.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

This section will explore different types of songs appropriate for older children, and the process for introducing more complex musical experiences.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• applicable
• apt
• convenient
• correct
• fitting
• good
• opportune
• pertinent
• proper
• relevant
• true
• useful