Words / B2

uh-PROHPR-ee-uh-t/əˈprəʊpriət/

Appropriate means suitable for a particular situation, audience, or age: suitable is the everyday synonym, while appropriate is more formal and common in rules (appropriate behaviour / clothing / language) with for or to. Inappropriate is a frequent opposite in schools and workplaces. It is not the verb appropriate (take for yourself), which has different stress.

Meaning

Suitable or right for a particular situation.

Examples

• “Jeans are not appropriate for the interview.”
• “Is this film appropriate for twelve-year-olds?”
• “Please use an appropriate tone in the email.”

Good to know

appropriate for / to. Formal suitable. Adjective stress: a-PRO-priate.

Near in meaning

suitable

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