Have you ever been in a situation where someone tried to take over your idea or movement and use it for their own benefit? This is called co-opting, and it can be frustrating and demoralizing. But what if there was another way to describe this phenomenon, one that didn’t carry such negative connotations?
Enter the term “appropriation.” While this word may still imply taking something that doesn’t belong to you, it doesn’t necessarily have the same manipulative or deceitful undertones as co-opting. Appropriation can simply mean borrowing or adapting an idea or concept, without the intention of exploiting it for personal gain.
Of course, context is everything when it comes to language, and both co-opting and appropriation can be used in positive or negative ways. But if you’re looking for a less loaded term to describe the act of taking something and making it your own, appropriation might be a better fit.
1. Recruit
2. Adopt
3. Enlist
4. Incorporate
5. Assimilate
6. Embrace
7. Attract
8. Absorb
9. Integrate
10. Annex
1. Recruit
This phrase refers to the process of finding and hiring new employees for a company or organization. Recruit can also refer to enlisting people for a cause or activity, such as recruiting volunteers for a charity event. The goal of recruiting is to find the most qualified and suitable candidates for a job or position.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase recruit when a company or organization is looking to expand its workforce or when there is a need for new talent. Recruiters may use various methods to find potential candidates, such as job postings, social media, or referrals.
Example: The company is looking to recruit a new marketing manager to help with their upcoming product launch.
2. Adopt
This phrase refers to the act of taking on or accepting something new, such as a new idea, practice, or technology. Adoption can also refer to the process of legally taking on a child as one’s own. The goal of adopting is to integrate something new into one’s life or organization.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase adopt when there is a need for change or improvement. Adopting new technologies or practices can help a company or organization stay competitive and relevant in its industry.
Example: The company decided to adopt a new project management software to streamline its workflow.
3. Enlist
This phrase refers to the act of signing up or joining a group or organization, such as enlisting in the military or enlisting volunteers for a community project. The goal of enlisting is to gather support or participation from others.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase enlist when there is a need for help or support from others. Enlisting volunteers can help a community project succeed while enlisting in the military can help defend one’s country.
Example: The organization is enlisting volunteers to help with their annual charity event.
4. Incorporate
This phrase refers to the act of combining or integrating something into a larger entity, such as incorporating new ideas into a business plan or incorporating a new company into an existing one. The goal of incorporating is to create a more cohesive and effective entity.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase incorporate when there is a need for integration or collaboration. Incorporating new ideas or companies can help a business grow and expand.
Example: The company is incorporating a new division to focus on sustainable products.
5. Assimilate
This phrase refers to the act of adapting or adjusting to a new environment or culture, such as assimilating to a new job or assimilating to a new country. The goal of assimilating is to become comfortable and integrated into a new environment.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase assimilate when there is a need for adaptation or adjustment. Assimilating to a new job or country can help individuals succeed and thrive in their new environment.
Example: The new employee is slowly assimilating to the company culture and expectations.
6. Embrace
This phrase refers to the act of accepting or welcoming something new, such as embracing a new philosophy or embracing a new technology. The goal of embracing is to show enthusiasm and support for something.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase embrace when there is a need for acceptance or enthusiasm. Embracing new technologies or philosophies can help individuals or organizations stay relevant and innovative.
Example: The company is embracing a new marketing strategy to reach a wider audience.
7. Attract
This phrase refers to the act of drawing in or gaining the interest of others, such as attracting customers to a business or attracting investors to a project. The goal of attracting is to create interest and engagement.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase attract when there is a need for attention or engagement. Attracting customers or investors can help a business or project succeed.
Example: The new advertising campaign is attracting a lot of attention and interest from potential customers.
8. Absorb
This phrase refers to the act of taking in or absorbing something, such as absorbing new information or absorbing a company into an existing one. The goal of absorbing is to integrate something into an existing entity.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase absorb when there is a need for integration or consolidation. Absorbing new information or companies can help individuals or organizations become more knowledgeable or effective.
Example: The company is absorbing a smaller competitor to expand its market share.
9. Integrate
This phrase refers to the act of combining or integrating different parts or elements into a cohesive whole, such as integrating different departments into a company or integrating different software programs into a system. The goal of integrating is to create a more efficient and effective entity.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase integrate when there is a need for collaboration or efficiency. Integrating different parts or elements can help a company or organization become more streamlined and effective.
Example: The company is integrating its customer service and sales departments to improve communication and efficiency.
10. Annex
This phrase refers to the act of adding or attaching something new, such as annexing a new territory or annexing a new feature to a product. The goal of annexing is to expand or improve an existing entity.
It is most appropriate to use the phrase annex when there is a need for expansion or improvement. Annexing new territories or features can help a country or product become more successful.
Example: The company is annexing a new feature to their software to improve user experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, co-opting is a term that has been used for a long time to describe the process of taking control of a group or organization. However, there are other ways to express this concept that can add more nuance and depth to our language.
One alternative to co-opting is “absorbing.” This term suggests a more gradual and organic process, where a group or individual is integrated into a larger entity without being forced or coerced. Another option is “recruiting,” which emphasizes the active effort to bring new members or allies into a group or cause.
Ultimately, the words we use to describe social and political phenomena have a significant impact on how we understand and respond to them. By exploring new ways to express familiar concepts like co-opting, we can broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our world.