Appropriate - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

Maybe your like

SKIP TO CONTENT appropriate 1. /əˈproʊpriət/ suitable for a particular person, place, or situation 2. /əˈproʊpriˌeɪt/ take possession of by force IPA guide

Other forms: appropriated; appropriating; appropriates

Something appropriate is correct and fits the situation. A sweater-vest with reindeer on it is appropriate holiday apparel, even if it's totally embarrassing.

The adjective appropriate is used when something is suitable or fitting. It comes from the Latin appropriare, which means "to make something fit, to make something one's own." Going back even further, appropriate is related to the Latin word proprius, "to belong to a person, thing, or group." Another appropriate way to use this word is as a verb, meaning to steal or seize something, the way you'd appropriate your sister's sandwich if she left it sitting near you.

Definitions of appropriate (/əˈproʊpriət/)

adjective suitable for a particular person, place, condition, etc. “a book not appropriate for children” “it seems that an apology is appropriate” synonyms: befitting appropriate to grade-appropriate the quality of ability and work that is appropriate for students in a specified grade pat exactly suited to the occasion proper, right appropriate for a condition or purpose or occasion or a person's character, needs apropos of an appropriate or pertinent nature proper marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness see moresee less antonyms: inappropriate not suitable for a particular occasion etc unbefitting not befitting improper, wrong not appropriate for a purpose or occasion malapropos of an inappropriate or incorrectly applied nature improper not suitable or right or appropriate show more antonyms...

Definitions of appropriate (/əˈproʊpriˌeɪt/)

verb take possession of by force, as after an invasion synonyms: capture, conquer, seize see moresee less types: carry capture after a fight type of: arrogate, assume, seize, take over, usurp seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
verb give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause synonyms: allow, earmark, reserve, set aside see moresee less type of: allot, assign, portion give out

Cite this entry Style: MLA

MLA
APA
Chicago

Copy citation DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘appropriate'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing appropriate

Academic Vocabulary Toolkit 1, Words 1-10

Kate Kinsella's "The Academic Vocabulary Toolkit" focuses on words used across different subject areas and careers in spoken and written communication. Learn these lists to help you succeed in school and work: Words 1-10, Words 11-20, Words 21-30, Words 31-40, Words 41-50, Words 51-60, Words 61-70, Words 71-80, Words 81-90, Words 91-100

Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List

A thorough survey of various textbooks, assignments, content area standards, and examinations yields the following list of words compiled by Jim Burke. You cannot expect to succeed on assignments if you do not understand the directions.

Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)

The full title of this declaration includes a focus on citizenship, and it was published two years after the declaration of rights for men and immediately after the National Assembly of France rejected a proposal to extend the rights to women. With an ironic tone, the writer and activist Olympe de Gouges dedicated it to Marie Antoinette, who -- as a woman -- was not seen as an equal. And, as a queen, she did nothing to promote gender equality (yet she was eventually given a trial and death sentence equal to that of King Louis XVI). While a postscript and form for a social contract are also included, the main structure and contents of this declaration parallel and parody its male counterpart. Compare these lists to hear the echoes. E-text available here. Here are links to our lists on rights: The Declaration of Independence, Declaration of the Rights of Man, Declaration of the Rights of Woman, The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS 2 million people are mastering new words. Master a word

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.

Get started Learn with us

Learner subscriptions
Vocabulary lists
Dictionary
Test Prep
Join a Vocabulary Jam
Commonly confused words
Word of the day

Teach with us

For educators
For schools and districts
How it works
Success stories
Research
Professional development
Contact sales

Resources

Help articles/FAQ
Teaching resources
Learner resources
ESL/ELL resources
Grade level resources
IPA Pronunciation
Contact support

Leaderboards

Vocabulary Bowl
Today's leaders
Weekly leaders
Monthly leaders

About

Our Mission
Blog
Tell us what you think
Privacy Policy
Terms of Use

My Account Log in Sign up

Log Out
My Learning
My Proficiency Report
My Profile
Schools & Teachers
My Classes
Assignments & Activities
My Lists
- Find a List to Learn...
- Create a New List...
My Progress
- Words I'm Learning
- My Trouble Words
- Words I've Mastered
- My Achievements
User Administration
User Authentication
My Account