apt
12 synonyms and 3 antonyms for apt, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Suitable or fitting for the situation.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Suitable or fitting for the situation.
“That's an apt description of the problem.”
2. adj
Likely to do something; having a tendency to.
“He's apt to forget names when he's nervous.”
Opposites
3. adj
Quick to learn; naturally skilled.
“She's an apt student who picks up new languages fast.”
Opposites
How to use apt
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
apt description
apt to forget
apt pupil
Etymology
From Latin aptus, "suitable, fitting."
Full origin of apt →Frequently asked questions
What does “apt” mean?
The word “apt” means suitable or fitting for the situation. In plain terms, well-suited to a situation, or likely to behave a certain way.
How do you pronounce “apt”?
“Apt” is pronounced apt (/æpt/ in IPA).
How do you use “apt” in a sentence?
Here is “apt” used in a sentence: “That's an apt description of the problem.”
What part of speech is “apt”?
“Apt” is an adjective.
Where does the word “apt” come from?
The word “apt” comes from Latin. From Latin aptus, "suitable, fitting.".
Is “apt” a common word?
“Apt” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “apt” have?
“Apt” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: suitable or fitting for the situation.
What is the difference between apt and likely?
Apt and likely both describe something that tends to happen, but apt often carries a slightly more formal tone and can suggest a natural tendency, as in "she is apt to forget names." Likely is more neutral and common in everyday speech, and unlike apt, it can be used with a wider range of sentence structures.
What is the difference between apt and appropriate?
When apt means suitable or fitting, it overlaps closely with appropriate, as in "an apt comparison" or "an appropriate comparison." However, apt also has additional meanings that appropriate does not share, such as describing someone as quick to learn or naturally skilled.
Can apt describe a person's intelligence or skill?
Yes, apt can describe someone who is quick to learn or naturally skilled at something, as in "an apt student." This sense is distinct from apt meaning suitable or apt meaning likely to do something.
