Meaning & Definition of word "Appropriation"
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Appropriation
/əˌproʊpriˈeɪʃən/
noun:
- 1. The act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
- Example: The appropriation of land for development has created tensions in the community.
- 2. A sum of money or resources devoted to a specific purpose.
- Example: The government announced an appropriation of funds for public education.
- 3. The act of adopting another culture's customs or ideas, often without understanding or respecting their original context.
- Example: Critics argue that the appropriation of indigenous culture by mainstream fashion is exploitative.
Etymology
Late Middle English: from Latin appropriatio(n-), from appropriatus, past participle of appropriari 'to make something one's own'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cultural appropriation:
The adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, often without permission.
budget appropriation:
Allocation of funds in a budget for a specific purpose.
legal appropriation:
The process of taking private property for public use, legally and often with compensation.
Related Words
appropriate:
To take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
property:
Something owned; a possession.
expropriation:
The action of taking away property by an authority for public use.
Slang Meanings of appropriation
Meaning: To take someone else's idea or style.
Example Sentence: He totally appropriated that meme without giving credit.
Meaning: Using someone else's culture or style without understanding it.
Example Sentence: That outfit is cultural appropriation; they don’t even know its significance.