C1 adjective Neutral

apt

/æpt/

Describes something that is appropriate, suitable, or fitting for a particular purpose or situation. It can also refer to a person who has a natural tendency to do something or is quick to learn.

Examples

3 of 5
1

That was an apt description of the weather today.

That was a very fitting way to describe the current weather.

2

The candidate proved to be an apt choice for the demanding role.

The applicant turned out to be a suitable selection for the difficult job.

3

He's apt to get a bit grumpy when he hasn't had enough sleep.

He has a tendency to become irritable if he is tired.

Word Family

Noun
aptness
Adverb
aptly
Adjective
apt
Related
aptitude
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Adapt'. If something is 'APT', it fits so well that you don't need to 'ADAPT' it.

Quick Quiz

The nickname 'Speedy' was very _____ for the fastest runner on the team.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apt

Examples

1

That was an apt description of the weather today.

everyday

That was a very fitting way to describe the current weather.

2

The candidate proved to be an apt choice for the demanding role.

formal

The applicant turned out to be a suitable selection for the difficult job.

3

He's apt to get a bit grumpy when he hasn't had enough sleep.

informal

He has a tendency to become irritable if he is tired.

4

The author uses an apt metaphor to illustrate the protagonist's internal conflict.

academic

The writer employs a relevant comparison to show the character's inner struggle.

5

The consultant provided an apt analysis of the company's financial risks.

business

The advisor gave a highly appropriate evaluation of the firm's monetary dangers.

Word Family

Noun
aptness
Adverb
aptly
Adjective
apt
Related
aptitude

Common Collocations

apt description a very fitting explanation
be apt to to have a tendency to
apt pupil a student who learns quickly
apt remark a relevant or timely comment
highly apt extremely suitable

Common Phrases

apt to do something

likely to do something

an apt student

someone who is naturally talented at learning

aptly named

having a name that perfectly suits the person or thing

Often Confused With

apt vs adept

Adept means highly skilled at something, while apt means suitable or likely.

apt vs adapt

Adapt is a verb meaning to change or adjust, whereas apt is an adjective.

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Usage Notes

Use 'apt' when you want to emphasize that a word or choice fits a situation perfectly. When describing people, 'apt to' describes a habitual tendency.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'adept' when they mean 'apt'. Remember that 'apt' is about the 'fit' of an idea, while 'adept' is about a person's skill level.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'Adapt'. If something is 'APT', it fits so well that you don't need to 'ADAPT' it.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'aptus', meaning 'fitted, suited, or fastened'.

Grammar Patterns

Used before a noun (an apt metaphor) Used with the 'to + infinitive' structure (apt to forget) Can be modified by adverbs like 'extremely' or 'highly'

Quick Quiz

The nickname 'Speedy' was very _____ for the fastest runner on the team.

Correct!

The correct answer is: apt

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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