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Translate files Appropriation
/əˌproʊpriˈeɪʃən/
Meaning & Definition
noun
The act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.
The appropriation of land for development has created tensions in the community.
A sum of money or resources devoted to a specific purpose.
The government announced an appropriation of funds for public education.
The act of adopting another culture's customs or ideas, often without understanding or respecting their original context.
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
Slang Meanings
To take someone else's idea or style.
He totally appropriated that meme without giving credit.
Using someone else's culture or style without understanding it.
That outfit is cultural appropriation; they don’t even know its significance.