Apropos vs. Appropriate — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 1, 2024
"Apropos" refers to something being relevant or suitable to a specific context, whereas "appropriate" involves suitability and conformity to established norms or standards.
Difference Between Apropos and Appropriate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Apropos specifically denotes relevance or pertinence to the matter at hand, often used to introduce a related subject or comment. Whereas, appropriate refers to something being suitable, fitting, or correct in a particular circumstance or context.
Apropos can have a conversational tone, used when mentioning something that is timely or fittingly referenced. On the other hand, appropriate often carries a moral or ethical implication, indicating whether actions or decisions are correct or permissible.
In usage, apropos is frequently found in the phrase "apropos of nothing," suggesting a sudden or slightly unrelated introduction of a topic. In contrast, appropriate is widely used across various contexts, from behavior to dress code, emphasizing suitability.
Apropos might be considered slightly formal or literary, and is less common in everyday language compared to appropriate. Whereas, appropriate is a staple in both formal and informal discussions, widely recognized and understood.
The origin of apropos is French, lending it a certain flair in English usage, associated often with literary or sophisticated dialogue. Whereas, appropriate derives from Latin, embedding it deeply in the standard vocabulary of English without any exotic connotation.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Relevant or particularly suitable
Suitable, fitting, or right in the circumstance
Usage Context
Often introduces a subject or comment that is pertinent
Wide-ranging, applies to actions, attire, decisions, etc.
Connotation
Timely, relevant, sometimes sudden
Moral, ethical suitability
Common Phrases
"Apropos of nothing"
"That's not appropriate"
Language Origin
French (meaning “to the purpose”)
Latin (meaning “to set apart, to allocate”)
Compare with Definitions
Apropos
Pertinent and relevant to the discussion.
He mentioned, apropos of the conversation, an interesting fact.
Appropriate
Suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, person, occasion.
That was the appropriate time to reveal the news.
Apropos
Suitably timed or opportune.
Her comment was apropos given the awkward silence.
Appropriate
Acceptable or expected in social norms.
His response was the appropriate one given the situation.
Apropos
Fitting to the situation.
She always had an apropos anecdote for any topic.
Appropriate
Allocated or assigned.
The funds have been appropriated for the new project.
Apropos
As an introduction to a related point.
Apropos of what you said earlier, I found some more information.
Appropriate
Right or proper in the circumstances.
It's appropriate to wear a suit to the interview.
Apropos
Fitting and to the point.
Appropriate
In line with accepted standards of behavior.
His comments were not appropriate for a formal meeting.
Apropos
At an appropriate time; opportunely.
Appropriate
Suitable for a particular person, condition, occasion, or place; fitting.
Apropos
By the way; incidentally
Apropos, where were you yesterday?.
Appropriate
To set apart for a specific use
Appropriating funds for education.
Apropos
With regard to; concerning
Apropos our date for lunch, I can't go.
Appropriate
To take possession of or make use of exclusively for oneself, often without permission
My coworker appropriated my unread newspaper.
Apropos
Of an appropriate or pertinent nature.
Appropriate
Suitable or fit; proper.
The headmaster wondered what an appropriate measure would be to make the pupil behave better.
Apropos
By the way, incidental
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.
Apropos
Regarding or concerning.
Appropriate
(obsolete) Set apart for a particular use or person; reserved.
Apropos
By the way.
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.
Apropos
Timely; at a good time.
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
Apropos
To the purpose; appropriately.
Appropriate
To annex (for example a benefice, to a spiritual corporation, as its property).
Apropos
Opportunely or opportune; seasonably or seasonable.
A tale extremely apropos.
Appropriate
To make suitable to; to suit.
Apropos
By the way; to the purpose; suitably to the place or subject; - a word used to introduce an incidental observation, suited to the occasion, though not strictly belonging to the narration.
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.
Apropos
Of an appropriate or pertinent nature
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.
Apropos
By the way;
Apropos, can you lend me some money for the weekend?
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.
Apropos
At an opportune time;
Your letter arrived apropos
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
Is apropos used more in formal writing?
Apropos is generally more common in formal or literary contexts than in casual conversation.
Can "appropriate" indicate morality?
Yes, "appropriate" often carries moral implications, referring to what is ethically right or acceptable.
How can one use "apropos" effectively in writing?
One can use "apropos" effectively in writing to introduce a relevant point or to connect a current discussion with a pertinent topic.
What does apropos mean in a conversation?
In a conversation, apropos means bringing up something that is relevant and timely to the topic being discussed.
What are examples of inappropriate behavior?
Examples of inappropriate behavior might include speaking rudely, dressing informally for a formal event, or violating social norms.
Is it 'appropriate' to use 'apropos' in everyday conversation?
Using 'apropos' in everyday conversation can be seen as formal or literary, and while it's not inappropriate, it might be less common and sound slightly out of place in casual speech.
How does cultural context affect the use of 'appropriate'?
Cultural context significantly influences what is considered 'appropriate' as norms and standards can vary widely between societies, affecting everything from language use to dress and behavior.
What is the difference between 'apropos' and 'appropriate' in communication?
'Apropos' is used to introduce remarks relevant to the current discussion, enhancing the connection or transition between topics, whereas 'appropriate' refers to remarks that are fitting and suitable in tone and content to the situation.
Can 'apropos' be considered a synonym for 'appropriate'?
While both terms deal with suitability, 'apropos' specifically refers to relevance and timeliness in relation to a specific topic or conversation, and 'appropriate' refers more broadly to what is fitting or suitable in various contexts.
What makes something 'apropos' in literary discussions?
In literary discussions, something is 'apropos' when it directly relates to or effectively illustrates the topic at hand, often used to introduce relevant themes, characters, or literary techniques.
Why is it important to understand the distinction between 'apropos' and 'appropriate'?
Understanding the distinction helps in using each word accurately in speech and writing, ensuring clarity and precision in communication.
What are the risks of using 'apropos' incorrectly in a professional setting?
Misusing 'apropos' could confuse listeners or readers if it introduces ideas or comments that aren't clearly relevant, potentially undermining the speaker's or writer’s perceived coherence and command of the topic.
How can one decide whether to use 'apropos' or 'appropriate' in writing?
Choose 'apropos' when linking to or introducing a topic that's directly relevant to the ongoing discussion, and 'appropriate' when commenting on the suitability of actions, responses, or conditions.
Can using 'appropriate' in a sentence change its tone?
Yes, using 'appropriate' can make a statement sound more formal or serious, as it often involves judgments about correctness or suitability within a given context.
Does the use of 'appropriate' imply judgment?
Yes, using 'appropriate' often implies a judgment about the conformity of behavior, decisions, or expressions to accepted standards or expectations.
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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
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
