B2 adverb Formal

appropriately

/əˈproʊ.pri.ət.li/

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

Examples

3 of 5
1

Make sure you dress appropriately for the cold weather before going outside.

Make sure you dress suitably for the cold weather before going outside.

2

The department will respond appropriately to all formal grievances filed by staff.

The department will respond in a suitable way to all formal grievances filed by staff.

3

You need to act appropriately if you want to stay at this dinner party.

You need to behave well if you want to stay at this dinner party.

Word Family

Noun
appropriateness
Verb
appropriate
Adverb
appropriately
Adjective
appropriate
Related
appropriation
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Memory Tip

Think of the root 'pro' which relates to 'proper'. To act appropriately is to act in a PRO-per way for the PRO-blem.

Quick Quiz

Since the meeting is with the CEO, please ensure you are dressed _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: appropriately

Examples

1

Make sure you dress appropriately for the cold weather before going outside.

everyday

Make sure you dress suitably for the cold weather before going outside.

2

The department will respond appropriately to all formal grievances filed by staff.

formal

The department will respond in a suitable way to all formal grievances filed by staff.

3

You need to act appropriately if you want to stay at this dinner party.

informal

You need to behave well if you want to stay at this dinner party.

4

The researchers appropriately adjusted the variables to account for external bias.

academic

The researchers correctly adjusted the variables to account for external bias.

5

All client data must be handled appropriately according to the new privacy laws.

business

All client data must be handled in the correct manner according to the new privacy laws.

Word Family

Noun
appropriateness
Verb
appropriate
Adverb
appropriately
Adjective
appropriate
Related
appropriation

Common Collocations

dress appropriately wear clothes suitable for the occasion
behave appropriately act in an acceptable manner
respond appropriately react in a fitting way
function appropriately work or operate correctly
scale appropriately increase or decrease in size in a logical way

Common Phrases

act appropriately

to follow the expected rules of behavior

dealt with appropriately

handled in a correct or fair manner

labeled appropriately

marked with the correct identification

Often Confused With

appropriately vs properly

Properly focuses on technical correctness or perfection, while appropriately focuses on the suitability for a specific social or situational context.

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Usage Notes

Appropriately is frequently used in professional feedback and academic writing to describe actions that meet specific criteria or standards. It is more formal than 'well' or 'right'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'appropriately' when they simply mean 'goodly' or 'well', but it should only be used when the action 'matches' the situation.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the root 'pro' which relates to 'proper'. To act appropriately is to act in a PRO-per way for the PRO-blem.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'appropriatus', the past participle of 'appropriare', meaning 'to make one's own' or 'to make suitable'.

Grammar Patterns

Modifies a verb (e.g., 'to behave appropriately') Often placed at the end of a clause or immediately after the verb
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Cultural Context

In professional Western environments, 'dressing appropriately' is a standard expectation often listed in HR handbooks to define business casual vs. formal attire.

Quick Quiz

Since the meeting is with the CEO, please ensure you are dressed _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: appropriately

Related Words

pronumerism

C1

To represent or replace numerical values with symbols or letters in an algebraic manner. It involves the systematic practice of using variables (pronumerals) to express mathematical relationships or abstract concepts.

anpatable

C1

A noun referring to a state of logical impasse or a situation where no clear path or resolution exists. It is typically used in philosophical or high-level academic discussions to describe a conceptual dead end that prevents further progress.

unicenty

C1

To merge several distinct elements, processes, or entities into a single, central point of focus or control. It is often used to describe the strategic consolidation of disparate parts into a unified core system.

homoducty

C1

Describing a system or biological structure characterized by having uniform, identical channels or conducting pathways. This term is used to identify a state where all leading vessels or conduits share the same size, direction, or functional capacity.

circumvolvible

C1

A rare term referring to an object or property that is capable of being rolled, turned, or revolved around a central axis. In technical contexts, it describes the physical capacity for complete rotation or orbital movement.

superdocation

C1

Pertaining to the act or state of providing excessive, superior, or redundant documentation and instruction. It describes a process or document that contains significantly more detail than is standard or strictly necessary for clarity.

redynism

C1

To systematically revitalize and inject new energy into a stagnant system, organization, or process. It involves transitioning from a state of inertia to one of active, fluid, and high-performance operation through targeted reforms.

transcivess

C1

Describing a state of identity or social involvement that transcends national boundaries and traditional civic constraints. It is typically used in sociological and political contexts to refer to individuals or entities that function across multiple sovereign territories simultaneously.

transhospdom

C1

The transitional state or process of a patient moving from a clinical hospital environment back to their domestic or home setting. It encompasses the logistical, psychological, and medical adjustments required to bridge the gap between institutional care and independent living.

bivictor

C1

A bivictor is an individual or group that has secured a win in two separate fields of competition or during two consecutive events. This term is specifically used to highlight the rarity and difficulty of achieving dual success in distinct categories.

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