Appropriated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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appropriated

[ษ™หˆproสŠpriหŒeษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

legal context

To appropriate means to take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission. In a legal context, appropriating property can constitute theft if done unlawfully. It can also refer to the allocation of resources for a specific purpose, often in governmental or institutional budgets. The term is used in various fields, including law, finance, and art. It suggests a sense of entitlement or rights over something that originally belonged to someone else.

Synonyms

claim, requisition, seize, take.

Examples of usage

  • The company appropriated the funds for development.
  • He was accused of having appropriated public resources.
  • Artists sometimes appropriate styles from other cultures.

Translations

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Origin of 'appropriated'

The word 'appropriate' comes from the Latin 'appropriare', meaning 'to make one's own'. The term began to appear in the English language in the late 14th century. Initially used in a general sense referring to ownership, 'appropriate' took on legal connotations over time, particularly in terms of how individuals or entities claim rights over property. In the 19th century, its usage expanded to contexts such as finance and resource management, denoting the act of allocating funds or resources for specific uses. Throughout its evolution, 'appropriate' has retained its core meaning of claiming or using something for oneself, which plays a significant role in discussions around ownership, consent, and ethical usage in various modern contexts.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,812, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.