aptitude

[ ap-ti-tood, -tyood ]

/ ˈæp tɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR aptitude ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

capability; ability; innate or acquired capacity for something; talent: She has a special aptitude for mathematics.

readiness or quickness in learning; intelligence: He was placed in honors classes because of his general aptitude.

the state or quality of being apt; special fitness.

Nearby words

apterium, apterous, apterygial, apterygote, apteryx, aptitude, aptitude test, aptyalia, apud cell, apuleius, apulia

Origin of aptitude

1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French) < Late Latin aptitūdō. See apt, -i-, -tude

SYNONYMS FOR aptitude

1 predilection, proclivity, bent, gift, faculty.

2 acumen.

3 appropriateness.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR aptitude ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

ap·ti·tu·di·nal, adjectiveap·ti·tu·di·nal·ly, adverbpre·ap·ti·tude, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for aptitude

So the KGB assembled a group of young women with an aptitude for languages.
Soviet-Style Sexual Politics Returns|Will Cathcart|May 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But that won't do for the folks without the aptitude to enter the new high-skilled fields.
Why Aren't We Creating Enough New Jobs?|Megan McArdle|June 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
“The girls we teach have the aptitude, and they can get a job right out of high school,” she says.
New Feminists: Young, Multicultural, Strategic, and Looking Out for Each Other|Gail Sheehy|February 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Others say Wong is smart, and has an aptitude for understanding foreign policy.
Romney’s Foreign-Policy Team: Anyone Home?|Eli Lake|July 2, 2012|DAILY BEAST

According to the Aptitude Chronology report, she was also diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Former Student Claims U.S. Naval Academy Had ‘Zero Tolerance’ for Rape Victims|Jesse Ellison|May 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It finds its pleasure in studying the play of its own facilities, and the study passes easily into an aptitude and habit.
Amiel's Journal|Henri-Frdric Amiel
Much attention is being devoted to the causes which determine the aptitude or immunity with animals for maladies.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 303|Various
The boy took little interest in his new work, but showed some aptitude for mechanical drawing and calligraphy.
Caruso and Tetrazzini on the Art of Singing|Enrico Caruso and Luisa Tetrazzini
I would advise no child's being taught music who has not a —— aptitude for it.
English Synonyms and Antonyms|James Champlin Fernald
The important thing in life is to have a great aim, and to possess the aptitude and perseverance to attain it.
Leaves of Life|Margaret Bird Steinmetz

British Dictionary definitions for aptitude

aptitude

/ (ˈæptɪˌtjuːd) /

noun

inherent or acquired ability

ease in learning or understanding; intelligence

the condition or quality of being apt

Word Origin for aptitude

C15: via Old French from Late Latin aptitūdō, from Latin aptus apt

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012