apropos
Americanadverb
-
fitting; at the right time; to the purpose; opportunely.
-
Obsolete. by the way.
adjective
idioms
adjective
adverb
-
appropriately or pertinently
-
by the way; incidentally
-
(preposition) with regard to; in respect of
Etymology
Origin of apropos
First recorded in 1660–70; from French à propos literally, “to purpose,” from Latin ad prōpositum; see ad-, proposition
Explanation
Apropos means regarding or appropriate to, as in: Apropos of your interest in fishing, your grandfather gave you his set of championship lures, rods, reels and lucky tackle box. Apropos is a useful word to learn. But first you have to know how to pronounce it: AP-rə-pō. Then you can conveniently change the subject of a conversation by using the expression "Apropos of nothing," which is a glib way of saying, "Oh, and by the way..." If someone's remarks are suitable and appropriate to the occasion, you can get on their good side by saying: How apropos!
Vocabulary lists containing apropos
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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The Silent Treatment: Words Plagued by Silent Letters
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This Week in Pop Culture: January 19 - 25, 2019
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There was also a successful sell signal last summer, although that it is not apropos to the current analysis.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026
Its rigorous order and deep perspective, enhanced by the receding lines of ship masts and rail tracks along the expansive quay, address his motif in a style apropos of its modern subject.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026
At a photo booth, guests grabbed signs with all sorts of corny, apropos quips for a retirement party: Having fun is my new job.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025
During an appearance on The Late Show, when Stephen Colbert asked, apropos of nothing, if she has a favorite novelty flag to display at her home, Jackson laughed and offered a polite “no comment.”
From Slate • Oct. 4, 2024
Suddenly, apropos of nothing beyond what was churning in his head and heart, C.P. said, “I don’t feel comfortable here.”
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
