appropriately
UK[əˈprəʊ.pri.ət.li]US[əˈproʊ.pri.ət.li]
adv
in a way that is suitable or right for a particular situation or purpose
Morpheme Breakdown
ap
propri
ate
ly
ap
to, toward, near,
propri
ate
ly
Etymology
the word 'appropriately' has a layered history built upon the concept of ownership and suitability. its core is the latin root proprius, meaning "one's own," which also gives us 'property' and 'proper.' the prefix ad- (assimilated to ap- before 'p') meaning "to" was attached to form the latin verb appropriare, "to make one's own, to take possession of." this evolved into the english adjective 'appropriate,' meaning "specially suitable, fitting." the adverbial suffix -ly, of germanic origin, was then added to create the modern form. thus, the literal journey from "making something one's own" evolved into the abstract sense of acting in a manner that is fittingly suited to a specific circumstance.
Analysis
Structure: ap + propri + ate + ly
- ap- (latin ad-): a prefix meaning "to, toward, near," indicating direction or addition.
- propri (latin proprius): a root meaning "one's own, particular to itself."
- -ate (latin -atus): a suffix forming adjectives meaning "characterized by having."
- -ly (old english -lice): a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives.
Examples
she was dressed appropriately for the formal interview.
the funds must be used appropriately and accounted for.
he responded appropriately to the criticism by acknowledging the valid points.