approprier

to appropriate, to adapt

verb ah-proh-pree-EH Rare

Usage Note

S'approprier (reflexive) is the standard construction and means 'to appropriate' or 'to take for oneself'. The non-reflexive approprier means 'to adapt/make suitable' and is less common. Learners will most often see s'approprier quelque chose (to take something over or claim it), e.g. s'approprier une idée (to appropriate an idea).

Examples

"Il s'est approprié les idées de ses collègues."

Natural Translation

He appropriated his colleagues' ideas.

Literal Translation

He appropriated himself the ideas of his colleagues.

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