appropriate
English meaning: Appropriate
Definition
To make suitable; to suit.
Example
“Please wear appropriate clothing for the formal dinner.”
Another example: “The committee voted to appropriate funds for the new library.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Two distinct words spelled alike. As an adjective (stressed 'ap-PRO-pri-ate') it means suitable or fitting; this is the far more common use. As a verb (stressed 'ap-PRO-pri-ATE') it means to take for one's own use, often without permission, or to set aside funds. Formal register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Late Latin 'appropriatus', past participle of 'appropriare' ('to make one's own'), from 'ad-' ('to') + 'proprius' ('own'), in English from the 15th century.
Synonyms
- pertinent
- apropos
- seize
- proper
- right
- congruent
- suitable
- fit
- harmonious
- advantageous
Antonyms / Opposites
- inappropriate
- unsuitable
Related Words
Common Collocations
- culturally appropriate
- appropriate action
- deemed appropriate
- appropriate funds
- age-appropriate
Word Forms
appropriate (adj/v); appropriated; appropriating; appropriately (adv); appropriation (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B