appropriation
uh-proh-pree-AY-shun
/əˌprəʊ.priˈeɪ.ʃən/
The action of taking something for one's own use, typically without the permission of the owner or original creators.
In modern discourse, usually refers to 'cultural appropriation'—taking sacred elements from a minority culture without understanding or respect.
The story behind the word. From Late Latin 'appropriatio', derived from 'appropriare' (to make one's own). Originally a neutral legal term for allocating funds or land, it acquired a critical cultural meaning in mid-twentieth-century anthropology.
Word relationships
- expropriation: Expropriation usually implies formal or legal dispossessing of property by authority.
- misappropriation: Misappropriation heavily emphasizes illegal or unethical theft of funds or ideas.
- restitution: Restitution means restoring taken items to their rightful owners.
- respectful exchange: Respectful exchange involves mutual, consensual sharing across traditions.
Commonly confused with
- appreciation: Appreciation honors and understands another culture; appropriation takes elements without permission or honor.
Word family
- appropriate (verb): To take something for oneself without permission.
- appropriated (adjective): Taken or allocated for a specific use.
Collocations
- cultural appropriation
- unauthorized appropriation
- act of appropriation
Example sentences
- "Using sacred indigenous religious symbols as fashion accessories was widely criticized as insensitive cultural appropriation." Sociological discourse on globalized fashion.
- "The unauthorized appropriation of church property caused widespread public outcry." Legal and financial contexts.
Memory hook
PROPRIETARY: Making something your own PROPERTY without asking. Taking for oneself without consent.
When not to use
Avoid using as a synonym for simple mutual cultural exchange or consensual borrowing.
Fun facts
- In parliamentary systems, an 'Appropriations Bill' is legislation that authorizes the government to spend money.
Explore more words
appropriate, misappropriation, commandeer, disburse, usurp, expropriation
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.