What does appropriating mean?
"Appropriating" is the present participle of the verb "appropriate," which has two distinct senses. In its most common modern use, it means taking something for one's own use without permission — whether property, ideas, or cultural elements — and it frequently appears in discussions of plagiarism, colonial history, and cultural appropriation, where it carries a disapproving tone. In its older, more formal sense, it means setting aside or allocating money or resources officially for a designated purpose, as when a legislature appropriates funds for public works. The word derives from Latin appropriare, "to make one's own," formed from ad- ("to") and proprius ("one's own"), making it a close relative of "property" and "proper." This dual heritage — belonging on one hand, seizure on the other — gives the word an instructive tension: what one party calls allocating, another may call taking.
To take something for one's own use, especially without permission or right.
"He was caught appropriating office supplies for his home business."
Often used in legal, ethical, or cultural criticism contexts.
To set aside or allocate funds or resources for a specific purpose.
"The state legislature is appropriating $2 million for road repairs."
Common in governmental and financial contexts; neutral connotation.
The same word that politely means 'suitable' also means 'to take what isn't yours' — and the stress of the syllable tells you which one you're hearing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of appropriating
"Appropriating" comes from the Latin verb appropriare, meaning "to make one's own," a compound of ad- ("toward") and proprius ("one's own, particular"). English adopted the verb "appropriate" in the early 15th century, initially in the sense of dedicating something to a specific purpose, with the sense of taking for oneself developing later. It shares its root with "property," "proper," and "propriety," all ultimately tracing back to proprius. Cognates appear across Romance languages, such as French approprier and Italian appropriare.
Related word forms
How appropriating is actually used
Formal in register. When used in cultural contexts (art, music, fashion), "appropriating" carries a strongly negative connotation of exploitation or unauthorized borrowing. In legislative or financial contexts it is neutral, describing official budget allocation.
Easily confused with appropriating
"Appropriate" as an adjective means suitable or fitting (pronounced with final stress), while "appropriating" is a verb form meaning taking something for oneself.