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adv B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

appropriately

Appropriately (adv) means In a fitting or suitable way. Example: “Please dress appropriately for the funeral.”

adv
1
In a fitting or suitable way.
"Please dress appropriately for the funeral."
"The company responded appropriately to the complaint."

How to use appropriately

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn a way that fits the situation correctly.

Common pairings
dress appropriately respond appropriately behave appropriately

Word forms

more appropriately comparative, most appropriately superlative

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Test yourself on “appropriately” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Please dress _____ for the funeral.

Etymology

From appropriate plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.

suitably fittingly properly

Related words

Rhymes for appropriately

See all rhymes for appropriately →

Frequently asked questions

What does “appropriately” mean?

The word “appropriately” means in a fitting or suitable way. In plain terms, in a way that fits the situation correctly.

How do you use “appropriately” in a sentence?

Here is “appropriately” used in a sentence: “Please dress appropriately for the funeral.”

What part of speech is “appropriately”?

“Appropriately” is an adverb.

Is “appropriately” a common word?

“Appropriately” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

What is the difference between appropriately and properly?

Appropriately focuses on whether something fits a particular situation or context, such as dressing appropriately for a job interview. Properly focuses more on doing something correctly according to accepted standards or rules. The two often overlap, but appropriately is more about suitability while properly is more about correctness.

How is appropriately typically used in a sentence?

Appropriately is usually placed before a verb or adjective it modifies, as in "the response was appropriately cautious" or "she behaved appropriately at the meeting." It commonly pairs with words like dressed, timed, named, and responded.

Is appropriately a formal word?

Appropriately is neutral in register and is used comfortably in both formal writing, such as reports and policies, and everyday conversation. It is not considered overly formal or overly casual.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial