apt Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite (usually followed by `to') naturally disposed toward
    given; tending; disposed; minded.
    • he is apt to ignore matters he considers unimportant
    • I am not minded to answer any questions
  2. adjective satellite at risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant
    liable.
    • he is apt to lose
    • she is liable to forget
  3. adjective satellite mentally quick and resourceful
    clever.
    • an apt pupil
    • you are a clever man...you reason well and your wit is bold"-Bram Stoker
  4. adjective satellite being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
    pertinent; apposite.
    • the successful copywriter is a master of apposite and evocative verbal images
    • an apt reply

WordNet

Apt adjective
Etymology
F. apte, L. aptus, fr. obsolete apere to fasten, to join, to fit, akin to apisci to reach, attain: cf. Gr. to fasten, Skr. apta fit, fr. ap to reach attain.
Definitions
  1. Fit or fitted; suited; suitable; appropriate.
    They have always apt instruments. Burke.
    A river . . . apt to be forded by a lamb. Jer. Taylor.
  2. Having an habitual tendency; habitually liable or likely; -- used of things.
    My vines and peaches . . . were apt to have a soot or smuttiness upon their leaves and fruit. Temple.
    This tree, if unprotected, is apt to be stripped of the leaves by a leaf-cutting ant. Lubbock.
  3. Inclined; disposed customarily; given; ready; -- used of persons.
    Apter to give than thou wit be to ask. Beau. & Fl.
    That lofty pity with which prosperous folk are apt to remember their grandfathers. F. Harrison.
  4. Ready; especially fitted or qualified (to do something); quick to learn; prompt; expert; as, a pupil apt to learn; an apt scholar. "An apt wit." Johnson.
    Live a thousand years, I shall not find myself so apt to die. Shak.
    I find thee apt . . . Now, Hamlet, hear. Shak.
    Syn. -- Fit; meet; suitable; qualified; inclined; disposed; liable; ready; quick; prompt.
Apt transitive verb
Etymology
L. aptare. See Aptate.
Definitions
  1. To fit; to suit; to adapt. Obs. " To apt their places." B. Jonson.
    That our speech be apted to edification. Jer. Taylor.

Webster 1913