apposite
apposite — adjective
- appositepositive
- more appositecomparative
- most appositesuperlative
1. describes a comment, example, or comparison that fits its context so well that i
describes a comment, example, or comparison that fits its context so well that it strikes the listener or reader as precisely the right thing to have said or chosen in that situation.
Rodrigo's comparison between the two novels was especially apposite given their shared themes of exile.
apposite + noun (comparison) as subject complement
The ambassador chose an apposite quotation from the poet Rumi to open her speech.
attributive: apposite + noun (quotation)
Professor Lien's comment proved apposite when the audit later confirmed her prediction.
Ayana's question about the budget was remarkably apposite at the board meeting.
Henry found the example of the shifting coastline particularly apposite for his lecture on climate change.
- apt
The closest synonym; 'apt' is slightly less formal and more common in everyday use, while 'apposite' is distinctly formal and academic.
- pertinent
Focuses on relevance to the matter at hand; 'pertinent' suggests the thing is directly connected, whereas 'apposite' additionally implies it is well-chosen and fitting.
- germane
Also formal; stresses logical relevance to a subject, but lacks the connotation of elegance or exactness that 'apposite' carries.
- relevant
More general and common; the broadest of the set, simply meaning 'connected to the topic', without the 'well-suited' nuance.
- inapposite
The direct opposite; formal and uncommon, used in the same contexts as 'apposite'.
- inappropriate
A more general opposite that covers a wider range of contexts and registers.
- irrelevant
Emphasises lack of connection to the topic rather than lack of fittingness.
文法句型
apposite + noun
be + apposite
apposite to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Formal register; used primarily in academic writing, formal speeches, and literary criticism. The subject is typically a remark, comparison, quotation, analogy, or example — not a person, object, or action. Frequently followed by 'to' (apposite to the argument) or 'for' (apposite for the occasion).