Word
appropriately
Phoneticsap·pro·pri·ate·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpɹoʊpɹiɪtɫi/
UK/ɐpɹˈəʊpɹɪətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is right or suitable for a specific situation. You use this when someone's behavior or clothing matches the rules or mood of an event.
adv. in a manner that is suitable or proper for the specific circumstances. Often used to modify verbs related to behavior, dress, or resource allocation.
Examples
“Please dress appropriately for the job interview.”
“The manager responded appropriately to the customer's complaint by offering a full refund and a sincere apology.”
“Legal scholars debated whether the judge had acted appropriately by recusing himself from the case, given his distant professional relationship with the lead defendant.”
Examples
simple
“Please dress appropriately for the job interview.”
contextual
“The manager responded appropriately to the customer's complaint by offering a full refund and a sincere apology.”
complex
“Legal scholars debated whether the judge had acted appropriately by recusing himself from the case, given his distant professional relationship with the lead defendant.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “appropriately” in context.
Verb
01. appropriately describe
“The word 'stunning' does not appropriately describe the beauty of the landscape.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object if one is present.
Real-World Examples
“A child may be able to make a snack, follow a routine and use a phone independently, but still struggle to respond appropriately when something unexpected happens.” “When designed appropriately, upskilling can build on the knowledge and experience older workers already possess while helping them adapt to technological change.” Etymology
From appropriate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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