How Do You Spell REAPPROPRIATE?

Pronunciation: [ɹˌiːɐpɹˈə͡ʊpɹɪət] (IPA)

The word "reappropriate" is spelled with the prefix "re-" meaning, to do something again, followed by "appropriate", meaning to claim ownership or assign a particular use. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /riːəˈprəʊprieɪt/. This word is commonly used in social justice movements, where marginalized groups seek to reclaim and redefine language, symbols, and cultural practices that have been historically used to oppress them. By reappropriating these elements, they can assert their own agency and power.

REAPPROPRIATE Meaning and Definition

1. The term "reappropriate" is a verb that refers to the act of reclaiming or repossessing something that has been previously taken or misused, particularly in the context of social or cultural issues. It involves taking ownership or control over something that was originally intended for different purposes or was used inappropriately.

   In a social or cultural context, "reappropriate" often describes the act of marginalized or oppressed groups reclaiming symbols, words, or cultural elements that have been historically used against them. This reclamation is carried out to challenge and subvert the negative connotations associated with these elements, allowing them to be used in positive or empowering ways. Through reappropriation, marginalized communities aim to redefine and challenge dominant narratives or stereotypes.

   The process of reappropriation can be seen as a form of resistance, empowerment, or cultural transformation. It seeks to challenge power structures, prejudice, and discrimination by reclaiming symbols or language and transforming them into expressions of pride, identity, or social activism. This process can be observed in various spheres, such as art, music, fashion, and activism.

   Overall, "reappropriate" signifies the act of reclaiming or repurposing something in a way that challenges dominant power structures and encourages the empowerment and visibility of marginalized communities. It is a powerful tool for cultural and social change, contributing to the ongoing process of reshaping narratives and creating new possibilities for equality and justice.

Etymology of REAPPROPRIATE

The word "reappropriate" is formed from the combination of the prefix "re-" and the verb "appropriate".

The prefix "re-" is derived from the Latin prefix "re-", which means "again" or "back". It has the sense of doing something again, going back to a previous state, or returning to a previous action.

The verb "appropriate" originated from the Late Latin word "appropriatus", which is the past participle of "appropriare". "Appropriare" is a combination of "ad-" (meaning "to" or "towards") and "proprius" (meaning "one's own"). So, "appropriare" meant "to make one's own" or "to assign to oneself".

By combining the prefix "re-" with "appropriate", the word "reappropriate" came to mean "to take back, reclaim, or assign something to oneself again".

Conjugate verb Reappropriate

CONDITIONAL

I would reappropriate

you would reappropriate

he/she/it would reappropriate

we would reappropriate

they would reappropriate

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be reappropriating

you would be reappropriating

he/she/it would be reappropriating

we would be reappropriating

they would be reappropriating

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have reappropriate

you would have reappropriate

he/she/it would have reappropriate

we would have reappropriate

they would have reappropriate

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been reappropriating

you would have been reappropriating

he/she/it would have been reappropriating

we would have been reappropriating

they would have been reappropriating

FUTURE

I will reappropriate

you will reappropriate

he/she/it will reappropriate

we will reappropriate

they will reappropriate

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be reappropriating

you will be reappropriating

he/she/it will be reappropriating

we will be reappropriating

they will be reappropriating

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have reappropriated

you will have reappropriated

he/she/it will have reappropriated

we will have reappropriated

they will have reappropriated

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been reappropriating

you will have been reappropriating

he/she/it will have been reappropriating

we will have been reappropriating

they will have been reappropriating

IMPERATIVE

you reappropriate

we let´s reappropriate

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to reappropriate

PAST

I reappropriated

you reappropriated

he/she/it reappropriated

we reappropriated

they reappropriated

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was reappropriating

you were reappropriating

he/she/it was reappropriating

we were reappropriating

they were reappropriating

PAST PARTICIPLE

reappropriated

PAST PERFECT

I had reappropriated

you had reappropriated

he/she/it had reappropriated

we had reappropriated

they had reappropriated

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been reappropriating

you had been reappropriating

he/she/it had been reappropriating

we had been reappropriating

they had been reappropriating

PRESENT

I reappropriate

you reappropriate

he/she/it reappropriates

we reappropriate

they reappropriate

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am reappropriating

you are reappropriating

he/she/it is reappropriating

we are reappropriating

they are reappropriating

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

reappropriating

PRESENT PERFECT

I have reappropriated

you have reappropriated

he/she/it has reappropriated

we have reappropriated

they have reappropriated

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been reappropriating

you have been reappropriating

he/she/it has been reappropriating

we have been reappropriating

they have been reappropriating