Arrogate
Verb
- To claim or seize without justification.
- To make undue claims to having; assume.
- To claim on behalf of another; ascribe.
Example Sentences
“My co-worker arrogated credit for the entire project, even though three of us built it.”
“Don’t arrogate the right to speak for the whole group when half of us disagree.”
“He arrogated the corner office for himself before anyone could object.”
Word Origin
Latin, early 16th century
Why this word?
In Latin, the verb “arrogāre” has several usages. It can mean “to appoint along with (another magistrate),” but it can also mean “lay claim to,” “claim to possess,” “make undue claims,” or “be conceited.” These alternative meanings carry through to the English word “arrogate,” which can mean “to claim without justification,” “to make undue claims to possession,” or “to claim on behalf of another.” If you use the word “arrogate” when describing a situation, there’s an undeserved or unearned claim going on.
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