Appropriative is a term that has been used in various contexts, including culture, art, and politics. It is a word that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in discussions about cultural appropriation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of appropriative, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Appropriative is an adjective that describes something that takes or claims ownership of something that does not belong to it. It is often used to describe a person or group that takes something from another culture or group without permission or understanding. Appropriative can also refer to the act of taking something that belongs to someone else without their consent.
Origin
The word appropriative comes from the Latin word appropriare, which means “to make one’s own.” The word has been used in English since the 17th century, but its current usage is relatively new.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, appropriative means “given to or marked by the act of taking or claiming something that is not one’s own.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines appropriative as “relating to or characterized by appropriation.”
Associations
The term appropriative is often associated with the concept of cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the act of taking elements from another culture without understanding or respecting their significance. Appropriative is also associated with political and economic power structures, where those in power take resources or land from marginalized communities.
Synonyms
Synonyms of appropriative include acquisitive, confiscatory, expropriative, and usurping.
Antonyms
Antonyms of appropriative include respectful, considerate, and deferential.
The same root words
The word appropriation is a noun form of appropriative, and it refers to the act of taking something without permission. Another related word is expropriation, which refers to the legal taking of property by the government.
Example Sentences
- The fashion industry has been criticized for its appropriative practices, such as using traditional Indigenous designs without permission.
- The government’s expropriative policies have left many Indigenous communities without access to their traditional lands.
- It is important to be respectful of other cultures and avoid appropriative behavior.