appropriating
|ap-pro-pri-a-ting|
🇺🇸
/əˈproʊ.pri.eɪt/
🇬🇧
/əˈprəʊ.pri.eɪt/
(appropriate)
suitable or to take
Etymology
'appropriate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'appropriare', where 'ad-' meant 'to/toward' and 'proprius' meant 'one's own'.
'appropriate' changed from Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'appropriatus' (past participle of 'appropriare') and entered English via Middle French/Latin influence, eventually becoming the modern English word 'appropriate'.
Initially it meant 'to make one's own' or 'to set something aside for a purpose'; over time it developed both the sense 'to take for one's own use' and the sense 'suitable, fitting' used as an adjective.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'appropriate'; to take something for one's own use, often without the owner's permission
He was accused of appropriating company funds for personal use.
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Verb 2
present participle of 'appropriate'; to set apart or assign (money or resources) for a specific purpose
The committee is appropriating funds for the new research project.
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Verb 3
present participle of 'appropriate'; to borrow or adopt ideas, styles, or cultural elements (often without understanding or respect) — 'cultural appropriation' sense
Artists have been criticized for appropriating indigenous designs without permission.
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Last updated: 2025/09/27 17:29