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apposite

adjective
ap·​po·​site | \ ˈa-pÉ™-zÉ™t How to pronounce apposite (audio) \

Definition of apposite

: highly pertinent or appropriate : apt apposite remarks apposite examples
Other Words from apposite Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about apposite

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Other Words from apposite

appositely adverb
appositeness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for apposite

relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand. relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. found material relevant to her case germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. a point not germane to the discussion material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case. facts material to the investigation pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance. a pertinent observation apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. add an apposite quotation to the definition applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case. the rule is not applicable in this case apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. the quip was apropos

Did You Know?

Apposite and "opposite" sound so much alike that you would expect them to have a common ancestor - and they do. It is the Latin verb ponere, which means "to put or place." Adding the prefix ad- to "ponere" created apponere, meaning "to place near" or "to apply to," and that branch of the "ponere" family tree led to "apposite." The word is used to describe something that applies well to or is very appropriate for something else, a notion perhaps suggested by the close proximity of two objects. To get "opposite," the prefix ob- was added to "ponere" to create opponere, meaning "to place against or opposite." The related verb componere, meaning "to put together," gave us "compound" and "composite."

Examples of apposite in a Sentence

enriched his essay on patriotism with some very apposite quotations from famous people on the subject

Recent Examples on the Web

 In that regard, Mr. Obama seems an apposite speaker at Mandela’s centenary. — Peter Godwin, WSJ, "Mandela’s Troubled Legacy," 13 July 2018 Here Helmchen was in his element, finding apposite aural equivalents for each Beethoven marking and achieving special results in the 10th, presto, variation played staccato and light, and the whirlwind No. 23. — Alan Artner, chicagotribune.com, "German pianist Martin Helmchen closes Piano Series with Orchestra Hall recital," 11 June 2018 But times have changed, and the comparison of the two parades is only partly apposite. — William Neuman, New York Times, "More Corporate Sponsors Abandon Puerto Rican Day Parade," 23 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apposite.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of apposite

1621, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for apposite

Latin appositus, from past participle of apponere to place near, from ad- + ponere to put — more at position

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More Definitions for apposite

apposite

adjective
How to pronounce apposite (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of apposite

formal : very appropriate : suitable for the occasion or situation

See the full definition for apposite in the English Language Learners Dictionary

apposite

adjective
ap·​po·​site | \ ˈa-pÉ™-zÉ™t How to pronounce apposite (audio) \

Legal Definition of apposite

: highly pertinent or appropriate

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More from Merriam-Webster on apposite

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apposite

Spanish Central: Translation of apposite

Nglish: Translation of apposite for Spanish Speakers

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