appropriation

Everyday

1. Taking something for yourself, often without permission or without the right to. tree →
2. (money, law) Money that is officially set aside for a particular use, like a government budget. tree →
3. Using parts of someone else's culture, art or ideas as your own, sometimes without respect (cultural appropriation). tree →

In the lessons

A formal word met in news, law, money and art lessons. It tells the reader something was taken or set aside for a purpose. Phrases: appropriation of funds, cultural appropriation, budget appropriation.

Examples

• The appropriation of the land angered the farmers. tree →
• The council made an appropriation for a new playground. tree →
• The treasurer was accused of the appropriation of club money. tree →
• People discussed whether the costume was cultural appropriation. tree →
• Congress approved the appropriation for schools. tree →
• The museum talked about the appropriation of other people's treasures. tree →
• An appropriation is money saved for one job only. tree →

Note

Verb: appropriate (ap-PRO-pree-ate, to take). Do not confuse with the adjective "appropriate" (ap-PRO-pree-it, meaning suitable). Formal word; context decides whether it means taking unfairly or setting aside.