malapropos

American  

[mal-ap-ruh-poh] / ˌmæl æp rəˈpoʊ /

adjective

1. inappropriate; out of place; inopportune; untimely.

   a malapropos remark.

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adverb

1. inappropriately; inopportunely.

malapropos British  

/ ˌmælæprəˈpəʊ /

adjective

1. of an inappropriate or misapplied nature or kind

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adverb

1. in an inappropriate way or manner

noun

1. something inopportune or inappropriate

Etymology

Origin of malapropos

First recorded in 1660–70, malapropos is from French mal à propos “badly (suited) to the purpose”

Example Sentences

Then, on another occasion, he breaks in upon the lofty spiritualities of our Lord's final discourse to His disciples, with the malapropos request, 'Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us.'

From Expositions of Holy Scripture St. John Chapters I to XIV by Maclaren, Alexander

Mrs Mansen therefore had had a twofold object in sending her out of the room: first, to stop her malapropos remarks about Annchen Vander Heyden, and secondly, that she might be informed respecting Rudolf’s visit.

From Perils in the Transvaal and Zululand by Adams, H.C.

To him the man habitually seemed as malapropos as a spiteful old lady.

From Queed by Crosby, Raymond Moreau

Never! nobody ever does; I am a proverb and a by-word for my malapropos speeches.

From Nancy by Broughton, Rhoda

Now and then their comments, after the manner of their age, were keenly malapropos and occasioned a sense of embarrassment.

From The Storm Centre by Murfree, Mary Noailles