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

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 Image Koko, the gorilla whose apparent aptitude for sign language endeared her to fans around the world, died in her sleep on Tuesday morning in California, according to the Gorilla Foundation, which oversaw her care. — Niraj Chokshi, New York Times, "Koko the Gorilla, Who Used Sign Language and Befriended Mr. Rogers, Dies at 46," 21 June 2018 The nongenetic components of aptitude, scrupulousness and ambition matter, too, of course, but most of those environmental and cultural variables were provided by others or circumstances not of your making. — Michael Shermer, Scientific American, "Does Success Come Mostly from Talent, Hard Work—or Luck?," 1 Nov. 2017 But the choice was considered fitting after the controversial departure of her predecessor Larry Summers, who created an uproar with his statements about women’s aptitude for science research. — Laura Krantz, BostonGlobe.com, "College leaders want next Harvard president to stand up to Trump," 7 Feb. 2018 Of that group, Arias’ aptitude shined bright enough to warrant an assignment to low Single-A Fort Wayne last year as a 17-year-old old (.524 OPS). — Jeff Sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Beyond Tatis, Padres' system long on shortstop talent," 4 Apr. 2018 If a student shows an aptitude for math, for example, that could lead to a career as a line producer. — Ryan Faughnder, latimes.com, "Movie studio seeks a behind-the-scenes role in L.A. schools to help fix Hollywood's inclusion problem," 29 June 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.