Appropriate
mediumNeutral toneuh-PROH-pree-ayt
verb
Definition
(verb) To take something for one's own use without permission; (adjective) suitable or proper
Memory hook
APPROPRIATE (verb): to take something for your own use — the government appropriated the land.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The government appropriated private land for the highway project.”
“He was accused of appropriating company funds for personal use.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The government ______ private land for the highway project.”
Show answer
appropriated
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Appropriate is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "suitable" or "fitting" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "inappropriate".
Related GRE Words
felicitous
well-chosen and apt; pleasingly suitable
arrest
(verb) To stop or check the progress of something; to seize by legal authority
decorous
marked by propriety and good taste in behavior
engender
To cause or give rise to; to produce or bring about
galvanize
To shock or excite someone into taking action
negate
to nullify; make ineffective or invalid
Master appropriate and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.