aptitude

[ap-ti-tood, -tyood]

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

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 formsap·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

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

Word Origin and History for aptitude

aptitude

early 15c., "tendency, likelihood," from Middle French aptitude (14c.) or directly from Late Latin aptitudo (genitive aptitudinis) "fitness," noun of quality from Latin aptus "joined, fitted" (see apt). Meaning "natural capacity to learn" is 1540s; that of "quality of being fit (for a purpose or position)" is from 1640s.