aptitude

noun

ap·ti·tude | \ ˈap-tə-ˌtüd

, -ˌtyüd\

Definition of aptitude

1a : 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

Other Words from aptitude Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about aptitude

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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

Remarque has a remarkable aptitude for sketching scenes of barracks life and extracurricular escapades. — Tobias Grey, WSJ, "An Antiwar Classic That Knew No Borders," 7 Dec. 2018 Boston fern showed a particular aptitude in some tests. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "QUIZ: Answer These Questions and We’ll Tell You Your Houseplant Soulmate," 21 Aug. 2018 The class meets the state’s Algebra 2 standards and is a good option for some students with learning challenges, those learning English, or those with no need or aptitude for higher-level math. — Shaina Cavazos, The Atlantic, "A Math Class That Makes Tax Season Easier," 9 Feb. 2018 The tests don’t measure specific skills or aptitudes that predict how a person will perform in a specific job. — Sue Shellenbarger, WSJ, "Survive College-Application Season With the Family in One Piece," 11 Dec. 2018 This point is obvious for certain aptitudes, as the field of feminist epistemology in philosophy has emphasized. — WSJ, "Give No Triple Points for ‘Gender Differences’," 22 Nov. 2018 Best friendship is a sign of social aptitude in children, especially young girls. — Kayleen Schaefer, New York Times, "Beyond BFF," 20 Feb. 2018 According to feminist dogma, males and females are identical in their aptitudes and interests. — Heather Mac Donald, WSJ, "Sorry, Feminists, Men Are Better at Scrabble," 16 Nov. 2018 Every student is wired differently, with our own unique aptitudes that may not have a place to shine in standardized testing. — Haley Hershenson, Teen Vogue, "My SAT Scores Don’t Define Me," 4 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aptitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.