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aptitude

noun
ap·​ti·​tude | \ ˈap-tə-ˌtĂŒd How to pronounce aptitude (audio) , -ˌtyĂŒd\

Definition of aptitude

1a : inclination, tendency an aptitude for hard work
b : a natural ability : talent an aptitude for gymnastics
2 : capacity for learning an aptitude for languages
3 : general suitability : aptness
Other Words from aptitude Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about aptitude

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Other Words from aptitude

aptitudinal \ ˌap-​tə-​ˈtĂŒ-​dᔊn-​əl How to pronounce aptitudinal (audio) , -​ˈtyĂŒ-​ \ adjective
aptitudinally adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for aptitude

gift, faculty, aptitude, bent, talent, genius, knack mean a special ability for doing something. gift often implies special favor by God or nature. the gift of singing beautifully faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function. a faculty for remembering names aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it. a mechanical aptitude bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability. a family with an artistic bent talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed. has enough talent to succeed genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability. has no great genius for poetry knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance. the knack of getting along

Examples of aptitude in a Sentence

The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students. bored teenagers with an aptitude for getting into trouble

Recent Examples on the Web

 Some players have an unteachable, invaluable aptitude for reading the game. — SI.com, "James Maddison: An Absolute Baller Destined for the Top," 19 Aug. 2019 Torrens, a Rule 5 draftee, showed some defensive aptitude but predictably experienced a steep learning curve. — Dennis Lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres spring training primer: Catchers," 5 Feb. 2018 In a letter delivering the news that Boi’s novel won’t be picked up, a publisher commends the promising aptitude the author made visible through the submission, but regrets its lack of maturity. — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, "Review: The slick Spanish thriller ‘Boi’ is undercut by an abundance of style," 25 July 2019 But that aptitude for changing the DNA of T cells is also exactly what makes HIV an ideal delivery system for a CAR-T’s genetic blueprints. — Charles Graeber, WIRED, "How Scientists Built a ‘Living Drug’ to Beat Cancer," 25 July 2019 As a woman of many talents, Maye had the aptitude and desire to learn. — sun-sentinel.com, "Deaths in South Florida: 6/23," 23 June 2019 Dudley is 33 and best suited to a limited role, Daniels is a journeyman whose marksmanship far surpasses his defensive aptitude, and Cook’s lack of size severely limits his defensive impact. — Ben Golliver, The Denver Post, "After Kawhi Leonard miss, Lakers ink DeMarcus Cousins and scramble to fill out rotation," 7 July 2019 Scouts were high on Okeke’s size, defensive aptitude and strong ball-handling skills. — Roy Parry, orlandosentinel.com, "Magic select Auburn forward Chuma Okeke with No. 16 pick of NBA draft," 21 June 2019 Lizzo belongs to a class of women artists—along with Tierra Whack, Megan Thee Stallion, Mitski, Solange, and others—that are working with an extraordinarily immodest aptitude for industry-wide reinvention. — Jason Parham, WIRED, "Lizzo's 'Juice' Is the Most Patriotic Song of 2019," 3 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aptitude.' 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 aptitude

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for aptitude

Middle English, "tendency, likelihood," borrowed from Medieval Latin aptitĆ«dƍ, going back to Late Latin, "fitness," from Latin aptus "fastened, prepared, suitable, fitting" + -i- -i- + -tĆ«dƍ -tude — more at apt entry 1

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More Definitions for aptitude

aptitude

noun
How to pronounce aptitude (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of aptitude

: a natural ability to do something or to learn something

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

aptitude

noun
ap·​ti·​tude | \ ˈap-tə-ˌtĂŒd How to pronounce aptitude (audio) , -ˌtyĂŒd\

Kids Definition of aptitude

1 : natural ability : talent He has an aptitude for music.
2 : capacity to learn a test of aptitude

aptitude

noun
ap·​ti·​tude | \ ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)ĂŒd How to pronounce aptitude (audio) \

Medical Definition of aptitude

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