aptitude

[ ap-ti-tood, -tyood ]

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.

aptitude

/ ˈæptɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. inherent or acquired ability
2. ease in learning or understanding; intelligence
3. the condition or quality of being apt

Other Words From

• ap·ti·tu·di·nal [ap-ti-, tood, -n-l, -, tyood, -], adjective
• ap·ti·tu·di·nal·ly adverb
• pre·ap·ti·tude noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aptitude¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of aptitude¹

C15: via Old French from Late Latin aptitūdō, from Latin aptus apt

Example Sentences

He’s a natural leaper who provided a taste of his defensive aptitude with three blocks to go with five rebounds in 11 minutes against the Broncs.

From Los Angeles Times

This was the force of attraction that drew Trump and Cohn to each other, with the latter mentoring the former on how to hone those aptitudes into a fine art.

From Salon

In Walz, Democrats are countering with genuine Midwestern decency and everyday aptitude encompassed by a guy accustomed to keeping his house in order and vehicles in good repair.

From Salon

If he ever tires of coaching, he has an aptitude for scouting.

From Los Angeles Times

"A black sprinter might potentially be an even better golfer than they would be good at athletics, but they probably wouldn't have that opportunity to demonstrate a propensity or aptitude for it," says Campbell.

From BBC

Related Words

• competence
• flair
• knack
• proficiency
• savvy