Word
appropriation
Phoneticsap·pro·pri·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/əˌpɹoʊpɹiˈeɪʃən/
UK/ɐpɹˌəʊpɹɪˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01taking without permission
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. taking something for yourself, especially when you do not have the right to do so.
n. the act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission or legal right.
“The company was accused of the illegal appropriation of private land for its new factory.”
“The historian argued that the appropriation of local resources by the colonial government led directly to the subsequent economic collapse.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'of'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02government funding
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. an amount of money that a government or organization officially sets aside for a specific purpose.
n. a sum of money or assets formally allotted by a legislative body for a specific public expenditure.
“The city council approved a new appropriation for the construction of a public library.”
“The emergency budget included a significant appropriation for disaster relief, ensuring that local authorities could begin reconstruction immediately.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural 'appropriations' when referring to general budget bills.
Synonyms
03cultural/artistic borrowing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Art Academic
n. using elements from another culture or another artist's work in your own creation.
n. the intentional borrowing, copying, or alteration of existing symbols, objects, or cultural elements within a new work.
“The artist faced criticism for cultural appropriation after using traditional patterns without understanding their meaning.”
“Postmodern art often relies on the appropriation of mass-media imagery to critique consumer culture and the concept of authenticity.”
Teaching tip
In modern sociology, 'cultural appropriation' is a highly sensitive term used to describe a dominant culture taking from a minority culture.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“He directed his followers to “feed them rather than fight them.” But settler appropriation of Shoshone lands soon destroyed tribal hunting and fishing grounds.” “But the Trump administration has failed so far to obtain congressional authorization and appropriations for the ballroom.” “The commission called for full government funding for NPS, but also recommended creating an endowment to help the agency survive flat or declining federal appropriations.” Etymology
From Middle English appropriacion, appropriacioun, from Medieval Latin appropriātiō. By surface analysis, appropriate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/appropriation