appropriate

Group 25Difficulty 1/3

Definitions

(verb)
To take something for one's own use, typically without permission
GRE
(adjective)
Suitable or proper in the circumstances
GRE

Example in Context

Congress voted to appropriate emergency funds for the disaster relief effort, fast-tracking the normally lengthy budgetary process.

Synonyms

takeseizeclaim

Etymology

Taking something for oneself; claiming ownership.

  • ad- (Latin) — to
  • proprius (Latin) — one's own

Memory Aid

👨‍🎨Sounds like “a pro create

A 'PRO' artist sneaks off with your paintbrush to 'CREATE' a masterpiece — he 'APPROPRIATES' it!

Visual Association

🖼️A sneaky raccoon swiping a shiny object from a picnic table, claiming it as its own.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “appropriate” mean on the GRE?

appropriate (verb) means “To take something for one's own use, typically without permission”. Congress voted to appropriate emergency funds for the disaster relief effort, fast-tracking the normally lengthy budgetary process.

How to remember “appropriate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “appropriate” sounds like “a pro create”. A 'PRO' artist sneaks off with your paintbrush to 'CREATE' a masterpiece — he 'APPROPRIATES' it!

What are synonyms for “appropriate”?

Common synonyms: take, seize, claim.