aptitude

American  

[ap-ti-tood, -tyood] / ˈæp tɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. capability; ability; innate or acquired capacity for something; talent.

   She has a special aptitude for mathematics.

   Synonyms:

   bent, propensity, proclivity, predisposition, faculty, gift

2. readiness or quickness in learning; intelligence.

   He was placed in honors classes because of his general aptitude.

   Synonyms:

   acumen

3. the state or quality of being apt; special fitness.

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aptitude British  

/ ˈæptɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. inherent or acquired ability

2. ease in learning or understanding; intelligence

3. the condition or quality of being apt

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Other Word Forms

• aptitudinal adjective
• aptitudinally adverb
• preaptitude noun

Etymology

Origin of aptitude

First recorded in 1400–50; from Late Latin aptitūdō; apt, -i-, -tude

Example Sentences

His aptitude for garnering media attention also brought him criticism over the course of his career from allies and detractors alike.

From Salon • Feb. 17, 2026

"I believe that we have a talented and committed group who have the aptitude and drive to bring success to Ireland over the coming weeks," said Farrell.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

There are jump cuts too, and interludes of his actors in close-up that could be color screen tests or just a nod to Hujar’s aptitude for portraits.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

This past Tuesday, the upstart alternative investment firm with an aptitude for private credit announced a financing deal for Meta Platforms’

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

Come to think of it, I remembered the day all the nerds and brainiacs took the special aptitude test to see who got into the gifted program.

From "Ungifted" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• competence
• flair
• knack
• proficiency
• savvy