appropriate

suitable / proper / to seize

AdjectiveTransitive Verb

past: appropriatedpp: appropriateding: appropriating

As an adjective, the word conveys a sense of social harmony and adherence to unspoken rules. It is less about "correctness" in a factual sense and more about "fitness" relative to a specific setting or audience. It often carries a polite, slightly formal tone.

When used as a verb meaning to take something, it carries a strong nuance of overstepping boundaries or seizing power. Unlike "steal," which is purely criminal, "appropriate" often implies a strategic or systemic takeover, such as cultural appropriation or government seizure.

In the financial context, it functions as a formal administrative term. It describes the official act of earmarking money, moving it from a general pool to a specific, locked destination.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Aboard the scout ship, lounging in the zero-gravity common area.

Zorg

I'm gonna rock this gold spandex suit for the captain's dinner. Totally on point, right?

Lt. Vega

Negative. That is not appropriate attire for a formal briefing.

Meanings

Adjectivesuitable

Suitable or proper in the circumstances.

Please wear appropriate clothing for a job interview.

Transitive Verbproper

To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.

The government may appropriate private land for public use.

Transitive Verbto seize

To devote a sum of money to a special purpose.

The council decided to appropriate funds for the new library.

Examples

This is not appropriate.

Is this appropriate here?

Wear appropriate shoes.

The dress was not appropriate for the party.

He used an appropriate tone during the call.

We need to find an appropriate time to meet.

Please ensure your behavior is appropriate in class.

School Life

The city will appropriate land for the new highway.

Travel

The board must appropriate more money for research.

Office

The state may appropriate property for national security reasons.

History

We must appropriate sufficient resources to resolve this crisis.

Business

I apologize if my comments were not appropriate.

Apology

Phrasal Verbs

appropriate for

to allocate or set aside funds for a specific purpose

The city council voted to appropriate funds for the construction of a new community center.

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error