# appropriated

/əˈpɹoʊpɹiˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɐpɹˈəʊpɹɪətɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/appropriated
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to take without permission

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to take something for your own use, usually without the owner's permission.

For teachers: to take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission or legal right.

- The local government appropriated the land to build a new highway.
- The rebels appropriated the radio station to broadcast their message across the occupied territory.

Usage: This is the past tense or past participle form of the verb 'appropriate'.

### 2. to take ideas or culture

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to take ideas, symbols, or styles from another culture or person and use them as your own.

For teachers: to adopt or use elements of a specific culture or creative work, often in a way that is seen as disrespectful.

- Critics argued that the fashion designer appropriated traditional patterns from indigenous artists.
- The artist was accused of having appropriated religious iconography without understanding its sacred context.

Teaching tip: Often used in the context of 'cultural appropriation' to describe taking elements from a minority culture.

### 3. to set aside money

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to officially decide that an amount of money will be used for a specific purpose.

For teachers: to devote money or assets to a special purpose, typically through a formal legislative process.

- The council appropriated five million dollars for the new library project.
- Congress appropriated additional funds for emergency relief following the catastrophic flooding in the southern states.

### 4. set aside for a purpose

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal

describes something, like money, that has been officially saved for a special reason.

For teachers: specifically set apart or designated for a particular use or recipient.

- The appropriated funds must be spent before the end of the year.
- The auditor discovered that the appropriated assets had been diverted to cover the company's operational debts.

## Examples

- The city council appropriated funds for the new park.
- The designer was criticized after she appropriated traditional patterns from an indigenous community for her summer collection.
- The committee eventually appropriated the necessary capital to modernize the facility, though critics argued the move bypassed several layers of required public oversight.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.