Appropriate vs. Appropriately — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 24, 2024
"Appropriate" is an adjective describing something suitable or proper, while "appropriately" is an adverb modifying how actions conform to what is proper or suitable.
Difference Between Appropriate and Appropriately
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Key Differences
"Appropriate" is used to describe the suitability of something within a context, such as behavior or attire. In contrast, "appropriately" describes the manner in which actions are carried out, ensuring they align with expected norms and propriety.
When someone chooses "appropriate" attire for an event, they are selecting clothes that fit the event's formal or casual nature. Conversely, acting "appropriately" at an event means behaving in a way that respects the occasion’s rules and expectations.
"Appropriate" can also imply the act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission, which is a different context from its use as a descriptor of suitability. On the other hand, "appropriately" does not share this connotation and strictly relates to the manner of action or response.
The use of "appropriate" often requires direct objects or context to clarify what is being described (e.g., appropriate measures, appropriate technology), whereas "appropriately" can stand alone or modify a verb directly, indicating the execution of an action is done rightly (e.g., dressed appropriately, responded appropriately).
The choice between these two forms depends on whether you need to modify a noun (appropriate) or describe the execution of an action (appropriately), showing their functional versatility in language usage.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Describes
Things (suitability)
Actions (manner)
Usage Context
Describing suitability
Describing mannerisms
Example Usage
"An appropriate dress"
"Dressed appropriately"
Additional Meaning
Taking without permission
None
Compare with Definitions
Appropriate
Well-suited and pertinent.
His comments were appropriate to the discussion.
Appropriately
In a manner that is suitable for the circumstances.
He dressed appropriately for the weather.
Appropriate
Relevant or fitting.
The movie was not appropriate for young children.
Appropriately
Correctly or suitably in the context of manners.
She responded appropriately to the criticism.
Appropriate
To take something for one's own use, typically without permission.
The funds were appropriated improperly.
Appropriately
With due propriety or respect.
The ceremony was conducted appropriately.
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person, condition, or place.
The book is appropriate for beginners.
Appropriately
With relevance to the matter at hand.
Funds were allocated appropriately among departments.
Appropriate
Suitable or proper in the circumstances.
She wore an appropriate outfit for the formal dinner.
Appropriately
In a fitting or suitable manner relating to behavior.
He behaved appropriately at the formal event.
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
Appropriately
In a manner that is suitable or proper in the circumstances
Volunteers need to be approachable, calm, and able to respond appropriately
Walls of raw concrete form a neutral yet appropriately rugged backdrop for the various objects
Appropriate
To set apart for a specific use
Appropriating funds for education.
Appropriately
Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
Appropriate
To take possession of or make use of exclusively for oneself, often without permission
My coworker appropriated my unread newspaper.
Appropriately
To set apart for a specific use
Appropriating funds for education.
Appropriate
Suitable or fit; proper.
The headmaster wondered what an appropriate measure would be to make the pupil behave better.
Appropriately
To take possession of or make use of exclusively for oneself, often without permission
My coworker appropriated my unread newspaper.
Appropriate
Suitable to the social situation or to social respect or social discreetness; socially correct; socially discreet; well-mannered; proper.
I don't think it was appropriate for the cashier to tell me out loud in front of all those people at the check-out that my hair-piece looked like it was falling out of place.
While it is not considered appropriate for a professor to date his student, there is no such concern once the semester has ended.
Appropriately
In an appropriate manner; properly; suitably.
Appropriate
(obsolete) Set apart for a particular use or person; reserved.
Appropriately
In an appropriate or proper manner; fitly; properly.
Appropriate
(transitive) To take to oneself; to claim or use, especially as by an exclusive right.
Let no man appropriate the use of a common benefit.
Appropriately
In an appropriate manner;
He was appropriately dressed
Appropriate
(transitive) To set apart for, or assign to, a particular person or use, especially in exclusion of all others; with to or for.
A spot of ground is appropriated for a garden.
To appropriate money for the increase of the navy
Appropriate
To annex (for example a benefice, to a spiritual corporation, as its property).
Appropriate
To make suitable to; to suit.
Appropriate
Set apart for a particular use or person. Hence: Belonging peculiarly; peculiar; suitable; fit; proper.
In its strict and appropriate meaning.
Appropriate acts of divine worship.
It is not at all times easy to find words appropriate to express our ideas.
Appropriate
To take to one's self in exclusion of others; to claim or use as by an exclusive right; as, let no man appropriate the use of a common benefit.
Appropriate
To set apart for, or assign to, a particular person or use, in exclusion of all others; - with to or for; as, a spot of ground is appropriated for a garden; to appropriate money for the increase of the navy.
Appropriate
To make suitable; to suit.
Appropriate
To annex, as a benefice, to a spiritual corporation, as its property.
Appropriate
A property; attribute.
Appropriate
Give or assign a share of money or time to a particular person or cause;
I will earmark this money for your research
Appropriate
Take possession of by force, as after an invasion;
The invaders seized the land and property of the inhabitants
The army seized the town
The militia captured the castle
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person or place or condition etc;
A book not appropriate for children
A funeral conducted the appropriate solemnity
It seems that an apology is appropriate
Appropriate
Appropriate for achieving a particular end; implies a lack of concern for fairness
Appropriate
Meant or adapted for an occasion or use;
A tractor suitable (or fit) for heavy duty
Not an appropriate (or fit) time for flippancy
Appropriate
Suitable and fitting;
The tailored clothes were harmonious with her military bearing
Appropriate
Being of striking appropriateness and pertinence;
The successful copywriter is a master of apposite and evocative verbal images
An apt reply
Common Curiosities
Can "appropriate" be a verb?
Yes, "appropriate" can also mean to take something for one's own use, typically without permission.
What does "appropriate" mean?
"Appropriate" means suitable or proper in a given situation.
How is "appropriately" used in a sentence?
"Appropriately" is used to describe how actions are performed in a suitable or proper manner.
What is an example of "appropriate" as a verb?
An example is, "The government appropriated funds for disaster relief."
Which form should I use when talking about behavior?
Use "appropriate" to describe the type of behavior (e.g., appropriate behavior), and "appropriately" to describe how someone behaves (e.g., she behaved appropriately).
Is "appropriately" related to politeness?
Yes, "appropriately" often relates to acting in a polite or suitable manner according to the situation.
Is there a difference in the formalness between "appropriate" and "appropriately"?
No, both forms maintain a formal tone, suitable for both casual and professional contexts.
What is the difference in usage between "appropriate" and "appropriately"?
"Appropriate" is an adjective that modifies nouns, whereas "appropriately" is an adverb modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Can "appropriate" describe clothing?
Yes, "appropriate" is often used to describe clothing that is suitable for a specific occasion or setting.
When should I use "appropriately" in professional communication?
Use "appropriately" when advising on or describing how tasks or responses should be conducted suitably in a professional setting.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
