appropriate
UK[əˈprəʊpriət]US[əˈproʊpriət]
adj
suitable or acceptable for a particular situation
v
to take something for your own use, usually without permission
v
to set aside money for a specific purpose
Morpheme Breakdown
ap
propri
ate
ap
to
propri
one
ate
characterized by
Etymology
The word 'appropriate' originates from the Late Latin verb 'appropriare', meaning 'to make one's own'. This verb itself is built from the Latin prefix 'ad-' (to, towards) and the adjective 'proprius' (one's own, particular). The core semantic journey begins with the concept of something being 'proper' or 'belonging specifically to someone or something'. Over time, the adjective form evolved to describe something that is 'suitable' because it is proper to the circumstances. The verb sense, involving taking possession or allocating, retains a more direct link to the original Latin action of 'making something one's own'. Thus, the modern meanings bridge the idea of inherent suitability and the act of claiming that which is deemed fitting.
Analysis
Structure: ap + propri + ate
- ap: (Latin ad-) a prefix meaning 'to', 'towards', or 'addition'.
- propri: (Latin proprius) a root meaning 'one's own', 'particular to itself'.
- ate: (Latin -atus) a suffix forming adjectives meaning 'characterized by' or verbs meaning 'to make'.
Examples
Please wear appropriate attire for the formal dinner.
The government was accused of appropriating land from local farmers.
The committee voted to appropriate funds for the new community center.