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Definition of apt
1 : unusually fitted or qualified : ready proved an apt tool in the hands of the conspirators
2a : having a tendency : likely plants apt to suffer from droughtb : ordinarily disposed : inclined apt to accept what is plausible as true
3 : suited to a purpose; especially : being to the point an apt quotation
4 : keenly intelligent and responsive an apt pupil
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liable vs. apt
Both liable and apt when followed by an infinitive are used nearly interchangeably with likely. Although conflicting advice has been given over the years, most current commentators accept apt when so used. They generally recommend limiting liable to situations having an undesirable outcome, and our evidence shows that in edited writing it is more often so used than not.
Examples of apt in a Sentence
“Stripe” is an apt name for the cat, since she has striped fur.
that dog is apt to run off if you don't put him on a leash
Recent Examples of apt from the Web
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While the choice of city for the restaurant’s name might be curious, the choice of namesake for the Red Headed Stranger cocktail proved apt.
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Paul also told the young church at Thessalonica to tenderly encourage those that were apt to quit along the way.
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The message was also apt for Toronto Pride, where this year's theme was inclusivity, with indigenous activists and other minorities playing a prominent part in the parade.
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Dealers of old masters and 19th century art are more apt to buy works than take them on consignment.
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Thinking of a certain type of inadequate adult male with privilege as a forever baby, however, seems comically apt.
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Gravitational waves aren’t actually sound waves, but the analogy is apt.
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Both statements were apt for an alarming episode in which the Underwoods’ past victims re-emerged for vengeance while the administration geared up for a land war in Syria.
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As a result, some of the pauses and repetition seemed apt.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'apt'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of apt
Middle English, from Latin aptus, literally, fastened, from past participle of apere to fasten; akin to Latin apisci to grasp, obtain, apud near, Hittite ḫap- to attach
Synonym Discussion of apt
quick, prompt, ready, apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power. quick reflexes a keen quick mind prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response. prompt emergency medical care ready suggests facility or fluency in response. backed by a pair of ready assistants apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible. an apt student her answer was apt and to the point
apt
Definition of apt
1 apartment
2 aptitude
APT Defined for English Language Learners
apt
playDefinition of apt for English Language Learners
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: likely to do something : having a tendency to do something
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: appropriate or suitable
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: quick to learn
APT Defined for Kids
Word Root of apt
The Latin word aptus, meaning “fit” or “suitable,” gives us the root apt or ept. Words from the Latin aptus have something to do with being fitting or suitable. Something apt fits just right into a situation. To adapt is to change in order to fit a situation better. Someone who is adept has suitable skills to perform a task well, while someone who is inept does not.
Learn More about apt
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See words that rhyme with apt Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for apt Spanish Central: Translation of apt Nglish: Translation of apt for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of apt for Arabic speakers
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