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”

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Explanation

It would be malapropos to wear full clown makeup to your cousin's formal wedding. In other words, it wouldn't be appropriate. Use the adjective malapropos to describe something that is awkwardly unsuitable for the situation or setting at hand. Telling jokes at a funeral or bringing your pet piglet to tea at the Queen's castle would both be highly malapropos. The word comes from the French phrase mal à propos, literally "badly for the purpose." As it's French, you don't pronounce the final s.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

malapropos

He fancied that the whole incident had been a most unfortunate malapropos, and that Balfour was sinking under shame and confusion.

From Sir Brook Fossbrooke, Volume II. by Charles James Lever

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

From Queed by Raymond Moreau Crosby

Your attacks do choose the most malapropos times——" "Oh, dear no, George!

From Frances Waldeaux by Rebecca Harding Davis

Johnnie Green chose this malapropos moment for reminding the officers of the reason for the coming to the house.

From The Big-Town Round-Up by William MacLeod Raine

Mrs. Barbara Croyland amused herself, as usual, by doing her best to tease every one around her, and by saying the most malapropos things in the world.

From The Smuggler: (Vol's I-III) A Tale by G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) James

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