aptitude
/ˈæp.tɪ.tjuːd/noun★Intermediate— natural ability
formal
a natural ability to learn or do something
His aptitude for mathematics was evident from an early age.
He showed a natural talent for math when he was very young.
💡
Often used with the preposition "for" to specify the domain of the ability.
Collocations
have an aptitude forto possess a natural talent in a specific areaaptitude testan assessment designed to measure natural ability in a particular field
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Tip
Do not confuse "aptitude" with "attitude"; the former is about ability, the latter about mindset.
⚡Gold Rule
Rule
When describing a person's natural talent, prefer "aptitude" over "skill" if the ability is innate rather than acquired.
📖Word Origin
Late Middle English, from Latin aptitudo ‘fitness, suitability’, from aptus ‘fit, suitable’. The suffix -itude denotes a state or quality.
📝Usage Notes
Use "aptitude" when referring to innate potential rather than learned skill. Common collocations include "aptitude for" and "aptitude test".
Word Breakdown
apt-
fit, suitable
root-itude
state or quality
suffixEnglish Dictionary