aptitude

noun

ap·​ti·​tude ˈap-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce aptitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
a
: inclination, tendency
an aptitude for hard work
b
: a natural ability : talent
an aptitude for gymnastics
2
: capacity for learning
an aptitude for languages
3
: general suitability : aptness
aptitudinal adjective
aptitudinally adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for aptitude

gift, faculty, aptitude, bent, talent, genius, knack mean a special ability for doing something.

gift often implies special favor by God or nature.

the gift of singing beautifully

faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function.

a faculty for remembering names

aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it.

a mechanical aptitude

bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability.

a family with an artistic bent

talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed.

has enough talent to succeed

genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability.

has no great genius for poetry

knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance.

the knack of getting along

Examples of aptitude in a Sentence

The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students. bored teenagers with an aptitude for getting into trouble
Recent Examples on the Web There was his lifelong difficulty with math but uncanny aptitude for memorizing details; constant anxiety — a fear of being watched or judged. Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 20 Jan. 2024 As a director, my role is to create space for someone with that kind of aptitude for endless play and discovery. Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Oct. 2023 Instead of squandering that aptitude, the movie treats her as an action hero too. Peter Debruge, Variety, 31 Jan. 2024 Now that designer houses have literally sewn up red carpet fashion, many of their star clients are showing a surprising aptitude for wearing couture. Maane Khatchatourian, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2024 In his law office soon after Donald came home, Beamon dictated a 33-page letter about his son’s medical and psychological history, his behaviors, aptitudes and challenges, to Dr. Leo Kanner, one of the world’s leading child psychiatrists, at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Maggie Jones, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2023 As such, managers will have performance discussions that require inclusive leadership aptitude. Simone E. Morris, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 But, standardized testing — including the SAT and AP exams — can often reflect social inequality and disparate educational resources, rather than a student’s aptitude or college preparedness. Uwa Ede-Osifo, NBC News, 4 Nov. 2023 His struggles this year with touch throws, finding his second or third options and mounting late comebacks doesn’t change that, across his three-and-half seasons, he’s provided a consistent edge in aptitude and durability. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aptitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "tendency, likelihood," borrowed from Medieval Latin aptitūdō, going back to Late Latin, "fitness," from Latin aptus "fastened, prepared, suitable, fitting" + -i- -i- + -tūdō -tude — more at apt entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of aptitude was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near aptitude

Cite this Entry

“Aptitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aptitude. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aptitude

noun
ap·​ti·​tude ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce aptitude (audio)
1
: ability to learn : aptness
2
: a natural ability
an aptitude for mathematics

Medical Definition

aptitude

noun
ap·​ti·​tude ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce aptitude (audio)
: a natural or acquired capacity or ability
especially : a tendency, capacity, or inclination to learn or understand

More from Merriam-Webster on aptitude

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