apt
apt
Apt (adj) means Suitable or fitting for the situation. Example: “That's an apt description of the problem.”
adj
1
Suitable or fitting for the situation.
"That's an apt description of the problem."
"His joke about the rain at the picnic was surprisingly apt."
""Sunny" is an apt name for such a cheerful puppy."
2
Likely to do something; having a tendency to.
"He's apt to forget names when he's nervous."
"Old pipes are apt to leak when the weather turns very cold."
"Children are apt to get cranky if they miss their afternoon nap."
3
Quick to learn; naturally skilled.
"She's an apt student who picks up new languages fast."
"The apprentice was so apt that he mastered the machine within a week."
"Even as a toddler, she was an apt little pianist."
How to use apt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWell-suited to a situation, or likely to behave a certain way.
Common pairings
apt description
apt to forget
apt pupil
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Word forms
- Comparative
- apter, more apt
- Superlative
- aptest, most apt
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That's an _____ description of the problem.
Etymology
From Latin aptus, "suitable, fitting."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
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.
