aptitude

1 of 2

noun

ap·​ti·​tude ˈap-tə-ˌtüd 

-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

ˌap-tə-ˈtü-də-nəl 

-ˈtyü-

adjective

aptitudinally adverb

aptitudinal

2 of 2

adjective

ap·​ti·​tu·​di·​nal ¦ap-tə-¦tü-dᵊn-əl  -¦tyü- 

: of or relating to aptitude

aptitudinally adverb

Synonyms of aptitude

Noun

• inclination
• tendency
• devices
• affinity
• knack
• affection

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

Noun

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

Noun

The North Korean players’ physical aptitude was clear, but coaches were aware of their technical and tactical shortcomings. —Andrew McNicol, CNN Money, 7 June 2026

But while Josh is a magnet for easy jabs about NPR tote bags and Sierra Club memberships, there’s almost nothing in his storylines to suggest an aptitude for or even interest in the work of actual journalism. —Alison Herman, Variety, 2 June 2026

During the regular season, both were among the top seven NBA teams by defensive rating, and the Knicks particularly improved by that defensive aptitude as the season went on. —John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026

Even if he was blown away by the aptitude of every member of a front office that has been here for the 22-45-1 run under Schoen, it still was expected that Harbaugh would bring in someone with ties to him from Baltimore. —Dan Duggan, New York Times, 21 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Adjective

Medieval Latin aptitudin-, aptitudo + English -al

First Known Use

Noun

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

Adjective

1675, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing aptitude

• aptitude test

Rhymes for aptitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude
• interviewed

Kids Definition

aptitude

noun

ap·​ti·​tude ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd 

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 

: a natural or acquired capacity or ability

especially : a tendency, capacity, or inclination to learn or understand