appropriate

[uh-proh-pree-it, uh-proh-pree-eyt]

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.

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

adjective

1. right or suitable; fitting

2. rare,  particular; own

   they had their appropriate methods

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of appropriate¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of appropriate¹

C15: from Late Latin appropriāre to make one's own, from Latin proprius one's own; see _proper

Example Sentences

Parental erasure also serves to appropriate the real world stories of queer people, inverting them into a bizarre right-wing narrative.

Read more on Salon

"There are some legal analysts who are saying that may not be appropriate or necessary."

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The same result that we reached in May is appropriate here,” the court said in an unsigned order.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Mr. Gibson once again wants to extend his deepest condolences to the family who lost their dog and respectfully asks for privacy and understanding as this matter is handled through the appropriate legal channels.”

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The third-party provider has confirmed this is an isolated incident which has been contained, and we are working with it to ensure that all appropriate actions are being taken.

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Related Words

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