Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| approprié | /a.pʁɔ.pʁi.je/ |
| idoine | /i.dwan/ |
The adjective approprié is used to describe something that is suitable, fit, proper or peculiar to a certain context. It is related to the verb approprier, which means to make something suitable.
Which one should you use?
While approprié is used to mean suitable or fit, it is distinct from the verb approprier, which means to take something for oneself (to appropriate).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal tone, you can use the adjectives convenable or adéquat(e). In contrast, idoine is a highly formal or archaic term that is often used today in a humorous or ironic way to mean 'perfectly suitable'. If you want to express that something is 'spot on' in an informal setting, you can use the expression au poil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective approprié must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, taking an extra -e for the feminine form appropriée. To form the masculine or feminine plural, add an -s to the word, resulting in appropriés or appropriées.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has four syllables: /a.pʁɔ.pʁi.je/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the adjective approprié with the verb approprier. The latter means to seize or take possession of something, rather than to make something suitable.
Did you know?
- The phrase au poil is used to describe something 'spot on' or 'perfect', but it literally translates to 'on the hair'.
- The word idoine is a 'learned borrowing', meaning it was taken directly from the Latin idōneus by scholars rather than evolving naturally through speech.
- In very formal French administration, idoine is still occasionally used to describe a person who is legally fit or qualified for a specific role.
Examples in context
- Est-ce vraiment approprié ?Is that really appropriate?This sentence is useful for questioning if a situation or action is suitable using approprié.Tatoeba #5963299 by Aiji, translation #3737944 by CK
- Cela ne serait pas approprié.That wouldn't be appropriate.This sentence is useful for stating that something would not be suitable using approprié.Tatoeba #5803173 by Toynop, translation #2892000 by CK
- Je ne pense pas que cela soit approprié.I don't think that's appropriate.This sentence is useful for expressing a personal opinion that something is not suitable using approprié.Tatoeba #5647339 by Aiji, translation #3826558 by CK
- Ce comportement est tout à fait approprié dans cette situationThis behavior is entirely appropriate in this situation
- Il est important d'avoir une tenue convenable lors d'un entretien professionnelIt is important to have appropriate attire during a job interview
- Nous devons trouver une solution adéquate à ce problèmeWe need to find an appropriate solution to this problem
- Porte quelque chose de convenable pour la fête ce soirWear something appropriate for the party tonight
- Ta réponse était au poil, merci !Your answer was spot on, thanks!
- La soirée était superbe, tout était fait comme il fautThe party was fantastic, everything was done properly
- C'est un choix tout à fait appropriéIt's a completely appropriate choice
- Tout le monde a trouvé ta réaction adéquateEveryone found your reaction appropriate
- Pour la soirée décontractée, habille-toi de manière convenableFor the casual party, dress appropriately
- Le repas était comme il faut, nous nous sommes régalésThe meal was proper, we really enjoyed it
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing the dress code for a work event.
- LéaEst-ce qu'un costume est approprié pour la soirée ?Is a suit appropriate for the evening?
- HugoOui, c'est tout à fait approprié pour cet événement.Yes, it is completely appropriate for this event.
- LéaEt pour elle, une robe est-elle appropriée ?And for her, is a dress appropriate?
- HugoOui, elle sera très élégante.Yes, she will be very elegant.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appropriate” translations and entries approprié, idoine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries approprié, idoine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
