ENGLISH
REFERENCE

appropriated

v.
C1 Advanced US //əˈpɹoʊpɹiˌeɪtɪd// UK //ɐpɹˈəʊpɹɪətɪd// ap·pro·pri·at·ed

v. to take something for your own use, often without permission. This is usually used when someone takes money or parts of another person's culture.

v. to take possession of something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission. Often carries a critical nuance when referring to the adoption of elements from a minority culture by a dominant one.


SIMPLE

The city council appropriated funds for the new park.

CONTEXTUAL

The designer was criticized after she appropriated traditional patterns from an indigenous community for her summer collection.

COMPLEX

The committee eventually appropriated the necessary capital to modernize the facility, though critics argued the move bypassed several layers of required public oversight.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as funds, ideas, or cultural symbols.

Pitfall

The money was appropriate for the project.The money was appropriated for the project.Learners often use the adjective 'appropriate' (suitable) when they mean the past participle of the verb 'appropriate' (to set aside or take).

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