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View synonyms for malapropos

malapropos

[ mal-ap-ruh-poh ]

adjective

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

    a malapropos remark.



adverb

  1. inappropriately; inopportunely.

malapropos

/ ˌmælæprəˈpəʊ /

adjective

  1. of an inappropriate or misapplied nature or kind
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adverb

  1. in an inappropriate way or manner
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. something inopportune or inappropriate
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of malapropos1

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

Origin of malapropos1

C17: from French mal à propos not to the purpose
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Example Sentences

The malapropos image had been posted on the series' social media accounts and promptly removed but not before it was picked up online faster than gossip spreads in Mrs. Patmore's kitchen.

She confounded Archie with her malapropos — “You know what they say, misery is the best company” — and open-hearted acceptance of others, including her beleaguered son-in-law and African-Americans and other minorities that Archie disdained.

From Time

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.

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

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

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Malaprop, Mrs.malar