apt
gb/ˈæpt/ us/ˈæpt/
A2
English
~ 8800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
suitable or appropriate
right and suitable for a situation or purpose
Usage pattern:
[something] is apt for [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "apt" with "eager" or "keen" and say things like *"I am apt to learn"* when they mean *"I am eager to learn"*. In this sense, "apt" usually describes things (an apt remark, apt example), not the speaker’s feelings. Learners also sometimes overuse it where "appropriate" or "suitable" would sound more natural in everyday conversation.
Synonyms
appropriate (slightly more common and neutral; very close in meaning.)
|
suitable (focuses on being a good fit, without the nuance of being especially exact or sharp.)
|
fitting (can sound slightly more formal or literary; similar idea of being right for the situation.)
Antonyms
inappropriate (describes something that is not suitable for the situation.)
|
unsuitable (direct opposite, stressing a poor fit for the purpose.)
Collocations
apt description
|apt remark
|apt comparison
|apt example
|apt metaphor
|apt choice
Themes
communication
|evaluation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- That was an apt description of how the meeting went.
- The movie’s title is particularly apt, given its dark ending.
- Her comment was apt and helped move the discussion forward.
- It’s an apt comparison: both companies grew in the same way.
- The journalist chose an apt quote to open the article.
Learner examples
- It was an apt name for the small, quiet town.
- Her story was an apt example of hard work.
- His joke was not apt for a formal dinner.
- The teacher made an apt remark about the problem.
- This is an apt choice for a summer job.
adjective
C1
property
2
likely or inclined to do
likely to do something or to have something happen
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is apt to [verb]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this sense with the "smart/quick to learn" sense and say things like *"She is apt"* without adding what she is apt to do. In this meaning, "apt" is almost always followed by "to" plus a verb (e.g. "apt to forget"). Also, do not use it where you just need the future tense; say *"It will rain"*, not *"It is apt to rain"* in casual everyday speech.
Synonyms
prone (very close in meaning; often used with negative things (prone to errors, prone to injury).)
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likely (more general and common; does not always suggest a built-in tendency the way "apt" can.)
|
inclined (suggests a personal tendency or preference, and can sound slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
unlikely (expresses that something is not expected or not probable to happen.)
Collocations
apt to forget
|apt to be late
|apt to happen
|apt to cause problems
|apt to lead to conflict
Themes
habits
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He’s apt to forget names if you only tell him once.
- Older machines are more apt to break down in cold weather.
- Without clear rules, this kind of situation is apt to cause confusion.
- Children are apt to copy the behavior they see at home.
- Such comments are apt to be misunderstood online.
Learner examples
- I am apt to wake up late on weekends.
- This kind of error is apt to happen when you are tired.
- The dog is apt to bark when strangers come.
- Cheap phones are apt to break quickly.
- He is apt to get angry when he is hungry.
adjective
C1
property
3
quick to learn or understand
able to learn new things quickly and easily
Usage pattern:
[someone] is an apt [pupil/student/learner]
Common mistake:
Learners may mix this sense with the "likely" sense and say things like *"She is apt to languages"* instead of *"She is apt at languages"* or *"She is an apt language learner"*. With this meaning, "apt" often comes directly before a noun (an apt pupil) or is followed by "at" plus a skill (apt at math), not by "to" plus a verb.
Synonyms
talented (suggests natural ability; not limited to learning speed but overall ability.)
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gifted (stronger praise, often used for someone with very high natural ability.)
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quick (informal; often used in phrases like "quick learner" rather than alone.)
Antonyms
slow (in this context, suggests someone learns or understands things more slowly than others.)
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slow-witted (stronger and more negative; suggests difficulty understanding or reacting quickly.)
Collocations
apt pupil
|apt student
|apt learner
|apt child
|apt language learner
Themes
education
|intelligence
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She’s an apt pupil who picks up new concepts easily.
- The coach knew he was working with an apt student who loved the game.
- An apt learner can make rapid progress with the right support.
- Their daughter proved to be an apt child when it came to music.
- He is an apt language learner and speaks three languages already.
Learner examples
- She is an apt student and gets good grades.
- The teacher said he is an apt learner.
- Their son is very apt at math.
- Our new worker is apt and learns tasks quickly.
- The school looks for apt children who enjoy learning.
Noun
A2
entity
4
abbreviation for 'apartment'
the short form of "apartment" used in addresses before a number or letter
Usage pattern:
Apt [number/letter] in an address
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes write only the number (e.g. "45 Green Street, 2B") without "Apt", which can be unclear. In American English addresses, write "Apt" before the unit number or letter (Apt 3B). In speech, people usually say "apartment" or just the number, not the abbreviation.
Synonyms
apartment (the full word; used in general writing and speech, not as a short label in an address line.)
Antonyms
house (a different type of home, not a unit inside a larger building.)
Collocations
Apt 2B
|Apt 4C
|Apt 10
|Apt 3A
Themes
daily life
|housing
|communication
Examples
- Please send the package to 45 Green Street, Apt 2B.
- The address on the form is missing the Apt number.
- Write "Apt 4C" on the envelope so the mail carrier knows the unit.
Learner examples
- I live at 10 King Road, Apt 3A.
- Do you know his Apt number?
- Please include "Apt" and the number on the letter.
- Her address is 5 Hill Street, Apt 7.
- The mail went to the wrong Apt.
Grammar
Dictionary form
apt
IPA
GB/ˈæpt/
US/ˈæpt/
Syllables & stress
apt (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (apt)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: apt
- Comparative: apter
- Superlative: aptest
Word family
Forms
apter
adjective
aptest
adjective
Core family
aptly
adverb
aptitude
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
inept
adjective
ineptitude
noun
Advanced or less common
aptness
noun
inapt
adjective
Expressions
apt to do something
1/ˈæpt tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
likely or prone to do something
used to say that a person or thing is likely to do a particular action or that something is likely to happen
Examples
- He’s apt to lose his keys if he’s in a hurry.
- This kind of software is apt to crash when too many windows are open.
- Children are apt to copy what they see their parents do.