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

Lizzo belongs to a class of women artists—along with Tierra Whack, Megan Thee Stallion, Mitski, Solange, and others—that are working with an extraordinarily immodest aptitude for industry-wide reinvention. — Jason Parham, WIRED, "Lizzo's 'Juice' Is the Most Patriotic Song of 2019," 3 July 2019 At the same time, given the legal scrutiny around virtually all other employment tests, requiring a college degree is the only remaining proxy for aptitude that doesn’t carry a risk of litigation. — Frederick M. Hess And, WSJ, "Degree Inflation and Discrimination," 2 Apr. 2018 In aptitude, Roethlisberger warranted a slight edge over Rivers, it could be argued, because of his rare ability to improvise. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: After big deal for Big Ben, what’s Chargers QB Philip Rivers worth?," 20 June 2019 The news story underscored how standardized test scores—once hailed as a neutral measure of a student's aptitude—are subject to bias. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "SAT to Add "Adversity Score," in Hopes of Narrowing the Achievement Gap," 17 May 2019 Admission to a charter school cannot be limited on the basis of disability, race, creed, gender, national origin, religion, ancestry, intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or athletic ability. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: Competing with charters improves public schools," 8 June 2019 Navigation aptitude appears to peak around age 19, and after that, most people slowly stop using spatial memory strategies to find their way, relying on habit instead. — M.r. O'connor |, Twin Cities, "M.R. O’Connor: Here’s what gets lost when we rely on GPS," 7 June 2019 Coming from a hunting term referencing pointer dog breeds’ aptitude for tracking down fallen fowl, the expression has undeniably possessive undertones. — Amanda Montell, Glamour, "From Ghosting to Going Steady, Here's a Guide to the History of Dating Slang," 31 May 2019 Sox hitters have shown some aptitude for hitting first pitches. — Phil Thompson, chicagotribune.com, "Matt Davidson a late scratch with back tightness, replaced by Jose Rondon in White Sox lineup," 26 May 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.