aptitude

[ap-ti-tood, -tyood]

noun

1. capability; ability; innate or acquired capacity for something; talent.

   She has a special aptitude for mathematics.

   Synonyms: bent, propensity, proclivity, predisposition, faculty, gift

2. readiness or quickness in learning; intelligence.

   He was placed in honors classes because of his general aptitude.

   Synonyms: acumen

3. the state or quality of being apt; special fitness.

aptitude

/ ˈæptɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. inherent or acquired ability

2. ease in learning or understanding; intelligence

3. the condition or quality of being apt

Other Word Forms

• aptitudinal adjective
• aptitudinally adverb
• preaptitude noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of aptitude¹

First recorded in 1400–50; from Late Latin aptitūdō; apt, -i-, -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of aptitude¹

C15: via Old French from Late Latin aptitūdō, from Latin aptus _apt

Example Sentences

That his tantalizing talent was matched by a preternatural aptitude.

From Los Angeles Times

Even Gong Yoo makes the most of his limited screen time as The Recruiter by revealing his aptitude to play demonic.

From Salon

“He says I have an aptitude for devotion,” the smitten boy beams, with his master’s padlock chained around his neck.

From Los Angeles Times

There are pops of surprise, especially as Charlie demonstrates his newfound aptitude for improvised explosive devices, but there’s no mystery.

From Los Angeles Times

Zhong’s aptitude for programming was evident early in his teen years, according to his father.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• competence 
• flair 
• knack 
• proficiency 
• savvy