Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Suitable or proper in the circumstances: "Appropriate" describes something that is fitting or correct for a specific person, situation, or purpose.
   • Particularly suitable or compatible: It can also imply a specific suitability or congruence with a given context.

2. Verb:

   • To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission: This meaning involves seizing or allocating something, often authoritatively.
   • To set aside or allocate something for a particular purpose: This meaning involves formally dedicating resources, such as money or time, to a specific use.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • Wearing formal attire is appropriate for the ceremony.
  • The teacher used age-appropriate language for her young students.

• Verb:

  • The manager decided to appropriate funds for the new project.
  • The general was accused of trying to appropriate public property for personal use.

Advanced Usage

• "Appropriate to": Suitable or fitting for a particular context or standard.

  • His casual remarks were not appropriate to the solemn occasion.

• "Deem appropriate": To consider something suitable or proper.

  • The committee will take whatever action it deems appropriate.

Variants and Related Words

• Appropriately (adverb): In a manner that is suitable or proper.

  • She was dressed appropriately for the interview.

• Appropriateness (noun): The quality of being suitable or proper.

  • The appropriateness of his comment was questioned.

• Appropriation (noun): The act of taking or setting aside something for a particular use.

  • The appropriation of land for the park was approved by the council.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Suitable, fitting, proper, apt, correct.
• Verb: Allocate, assign, earmark, seize, commandeer.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Inappropriate, unsuitable, improper, unfitting.
• Verb: Relinquish, surrender, give up.

Related Phrases

• "Appropriate technology": Technology suited to the social, economic, and environmental conditions of its users.

  • The organization promotes the use of appropriate technology in developing regions.

• "Cultural appropriation": The unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, or ideas of one people or society by members of another, typically more dominant, people or society.

  • The debate focused on the issue of cultural appropriation in fashion.

Adjective

1. suitable for a particular person or place or condition etc
   • a book not appropriate for children
   • a funeral conducted the appropriate solemnity
   • it seems that an apology is appropriate

Verb

1. take possession of by force, as after an invasion
   • the invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants
   • The army seized the town
   • The militia captured the castle
2. give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
   • I will earmark this money for your research
   • She sets aside time for meditation every day