appropriate for (oneself)
To seize for oneself, often illegally or without the owner's permission. In this usage, a noun appears between "appropriate" and "for." When "appropriate" is used as a verb, the last syllable is pronounced "ate." I can't believe you appropriated my video game system for yourself while I was away! I had money in my wallet, but it seems that some other party guests appropriated it for themselves. This is our land, fair and square! You can't just come here and appropriate it for yourself!
appropriate for (someone)
Suitable or proper for one, based on certain conditions like one's age or setting. When "appropriate" is used as an adjective, the last syllable is pronounced "it." Turn that violent cartoon off right now—it's not appropriate for a boy your age! This text is not appropriate for high-schoolers. Kids, cover your ears! This story is not appropriate for your young ears.
appropriate for (something)
To designate for a specific purpose. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "appropriate" and "for." When "appropriate" is used as a verb, the last syllable is pronounced "ate." How much money was appropriated for education initiatives this quarter? Please tell me that the committee has finally appropriated money for road repairs in the township. I just don't know how much time to appropriate for a report like this. Do you have any idea?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
appropriate something for something
1. to allot a certain amount of money for a particular purpose. They will appropriate $10,000 for the exhibit at the fair. A large sum was appropriated for the expenses.
2. Euph. to take something [from someone else] and use it as something else or for a purpose different from what was intended. Walter appropriated a truck for an ambulance. It was necessary to appropriate your laptop for connecting to the Internet.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.