Meaning & use

appropriate

adjective·Everyday

Last updated

Suitable or proper for a particular situation, person, or purpose.

See it in a sentence

She wore appropriate clothing for the formal interview.

It wasn't the appropriate moment to bring up the bad news.

A note on using this word

As a verb (pronounced differently, with stress on the second syllable), 'appropriate' means to take something for one's own use, often without permission, as in 'cultural appropriation.'

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To take or use something for one's own purpose, often without right or permission.

The committee appropriated funds meant for road repairs to build a new park instead.

Make it your own

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