apt
/æpt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈæpt] /æpt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈæpt] /ˈapt/ (ame, mw)
apt — adjective
- aptpositive
- aptercomparative
- aptestsuperlative
1. perfectly suited to a specific moment or purpose — exactly what the situation ca
perfectly suited to a specific moment or purpose — exactly what the situation calls for
Selim found an apt quotation from the poem for his wedding speech.
apt + noun: a fitting choice of words
The gentle rain after the long drought seemed an apt blessing for the farmers.
Noa gave an apt reply to the question about the town's long history.
Aarav chose an apt name for his new bakery on the quiet side street.
The slow, sad music was an apt choice for the final scene of the play.
- appropriate
more common and less literary than 'apt'
- fitting
everyday word; lacks the hint of cleverness that 'apt' can carry
- suitable
more general and functional; less emphatic than 'apt'
- inappropriate
more common opposite than 'inapt'
- inapt
formal; the direct opposite but rarely used
文法句型
apt + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Typically describes things (words, names, choices, moments) rather than people directly. 'An apt description' is common; describing a person as 'apt' in this sense is unusual.
常見錯誤
2. having a natural or habitual tendency to do something, especially something unwa
having a natural or habitual tendency to do something, especially something unwanted or unexpected
Liang is apt to leave his keys on the kitchen table when he rushes out.
apt to + verb: describing a habitual tendency
The old wooden fence is apt to fall during a strong winter storm.
inanimate subject + apt to: tendency of a thing
Tariro is apt to hum softly while she works on her paintings at home.
The narrow bridge is apt to flood after three days of heavy rain.
Nadia is apt to cry at the end of nearly every film she watches.
- unlikely
the simplest and most common opposite
文法句型
apt to + verb
用法筆記
Almost always followed by 'to' + infinitive. Describes repeated or characteristic tendencies, not one-time events. Distinguish from sense 1 (SUITABLE; FITTING), which describes appropriateness rather than probability.
常見錯誤
3. quick to grasp new ideas; naturally clever or talented, especially in academic o
quick to grasp new ideas; naturally clever or talented, especially in academic or intellectual work
Brooke was an apt student who learned new maths faster than anyone else in class.
apt + noun: describing natural talent in a role
Ramón proved an apt programmer, writing clean code in his first month there.
The head chef called Naoko the most apt apprentice she had ever trained.
Shanti was an apt piano student, mastering scales far sooner than most beginners.
The young soldier turned out to be an apt leader during the rescue mission.
- clever
less formal and more widely used than 'apt'
- quick-witted
emphasises fast thinking in conversation or debate
- bright
informal; common in everyday speech
文法句型
apt + noun (student, pupil, learner)
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively before a noun ('an apt pupil', 'an apt learner'). Rarely appears after 'be' in modern English. Distinguish from sense 1 (SUITABLE; FITTING): a remark can be apt (sense 1), but only a person can be apt in sense 3.
常見錯誤
apt — noun
- aptsingular
- aptsplural
1. a short written form of the word 'apartment', used mainly in addresses, rental l
a short written form of the word 'apartment', used mainly in addresses, rental listings, and signs
The rental listing read: '2-bedroom apt, sunny balcony, near the park.'
written abbreviation: apt = apartment in listings
Selim wrote his new address on the form: Apt 4B, 22 Oak Street.
The sign outside the building said 'Apt for Rent — No Pets.'
Noa found a studio apt in the city centre for less than she expected.
文法句型
apt + number/letter (Apt 4B)
用法筆記
Used in writing only — never spoken aloud as 'apt'. Say 'apartment' when speaking. Common in North American English; British English prefers 'flat'.