aptitud

/ap.tiˈtuð/
aptitude

Tiene una gran aptitud para las matemáticas.

He has a great aptitude for mathematics.


formal

Natural ability or talent to do something well.

Su aptitud para el liderazgo es evidente.

His aptitude for leadership is evident.

La empresa valora la aptitud de los candidatos.

The company values candidates' aptitude.

Often used in educational or professional contexts to describe innate skills.

Law
formal

Suitability or fitness for a particular role or purpose.

El juez evaluó la aptitud del testigo para declarar.

The judge assessed the witness's aptitude to testify.

Common in legal or administrative contexts.

Pro Tip

Avoid confusion with 'actitud'

'Aptitud' refers to ability, while 'actitud' means attitude. Example: 'Tiene aptitud para cantar' (ability) vs. 'Tiene una actitud positiva' (attitude).

Gold Rule

Use 'aptitud' for innate skills

Prefer 'aptitud' when describing natural talent or suitability, not acquired skills. For learned abilities, 'capacidad' is more common.

Word Origin

From Latin *aptitudo*, meaning 'fitness' or 'suitability', derived from *aptus* ('fit').

Usage Notes

In Spanish, 'aptitud' emphasizes innate ability, while 'capacidad' can refer to learned skills. 'Aptitud' is often used in formal or professional settings.

Word Breakdown

apt-
from Latin *aptus* (fit, suitable)
root
+
-itud
suffix forming abstract nouns (e.g., 'aptitude', 'latitude')
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés