Definition of the word appropriate

The word "appropriate" has its roots in Latin. The Latin word "appropriare" means "to assign" or "to set aside for a particular purpose". This Latin word is derived from "pro" meaning "before" or "for" and "proprius" meaning "one's own", literally "to set something apart for one's own use or purpose". The English word "appropriate" was borrowed from Old French "aproprier", which is the verb form of "propriété", meaning "property" or "belonging". The word has been in the English language since the 14th century and initially meant "to claim as one's own" or "to assign for a particular purpose". Over time, the meaning of "appropriate" expanded to include the sense of being suitable or fitting for a particular occasion or context, as well as being correct or right in attitude or behavior. Today, the word is widely used to describe actions, language, or behavior that are deemed fitting, suitable, or correct for a given situation.