apropiado

appropriate, suitable

adjective ah-proh-PYAH-doh Rare

Origin: From Latin 'appropriatus', past participle of 'appropriare' (to make one's own, to fit).

Usage Note

Apropiado describes something well matched to a context or purpose. It is a false friend for English speakers: the Spanish verb apropiarse de means 'to appropriate (take for oneself)', not the adjective sense. The antonym inapropiado (inappropriate) follows the same pattern. In formal registers adecuado is interchangeable, though apropiado carries a slightly stronger sense of fitness.

Examples

"Esa ropa no es apropiada para la reunión."

Natural Translation

Those clothes are not appropriate for the meeting.

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