apparatus
7 synonyms for apparatus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A set of equipment or machinery used for a particular purpose.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use apparatus
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
scientific apparatus
state apparatus
party apparatus
Etymology
From Latin apparatus, "preparation, equipment," from ad- ("toward") plus parare ("to prepare").
Full origin of apparatus →Frequently asked questions
What does “apparatus” mean?
The word “apparatus” means a set of equipment or machinery used for a particular purpose. In plain terms, either physical equipment for a task, or a large, often bureaucratic system that supports some activity.
How do you pronounce “apparatus”?
“Apparatus” is pronounced ap-uh-RAY-tuhs (/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/ in IPA).
How do you use “apparatus” in a sentence?
Here is “apparatus” used in a sentence: “The lab was filled with strange apparatus for the chemistry experiment.”
What part of speech is “apparatus”?
“Apparatus” is a noun.
Where does the word “apparatus” come from?
The word “apparatus” comes from Latin. From Latin apparatus, "preparation, equipment," from ad- ("toward") plus parare ("to prepare").
Is “apparatus” a common word?
“Apparatus” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “apparatus” have?
“Apparatus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a set of equipment or machinery used for a particular purpose.
What is the difference between "apparatus" and "equipment"?
"Equipment" is a general term for the tools or gear needed for an activity, while "apparatus" more specifically suggests a set of equipment or machinery assembled for a particular purpose, often technical or scientific, such as laboratory apparatus.
What does "apparatus" mean in a political or organizational context?
Beyond physical equipment, "apparatus" can refer to a complex organizational or bureaucratic structure, such as "the party apparatus" or "the state apparatus," describing the systems behind an institution rather than physical machines.
Is "apparatus" singular or plural?
"Apparatus" is normally treated as singular, as in "the apparatus is broken," and its plural can be either "apparatus" or "apparatuses" depending on style; both forms are considered acceptable in modern English.
