Meaning & use
aptitude
Last updated
UK/ˈæptɪtjuːd/
US/ˈæptɪtud/
Meanings
nouncountable or uncountable
A natural ability to learn or do something well.
Grammar: Often with for: an aptitude for languages.
Patterns
- an aptitude for something
- show aptitude
She has an aptitude for math.
The test measures musical aptitude.
He showed little aptitude for sports.
noununcountablespecialist
A test or score measuring ability to learn, as in an aptitude test.
Grammar: Used before test.
Patterns
- aptitude test
Applicants took an aptitude test.
Her aptitude scores were high.
The aptitude exam lasted an hour.
Word forms
| plural | aptitudes |
|---|
Common combinations
- natural aptitude
- He has a natural aptitude for drawing.
- aptitude test
- Take the aptitude test.
- show an aptitude
- She showed an aptitude for coding.
- mechanical aptitude
- His mechanical aptitude was clear.
Synonyms and how they differ
- talent
- Talent is a special natural gift.
- flair
- Flair is stylish natural ability.
- knack
- Knack is an informal skill for doing something.
- capacity
- Capacity is the amount someone can learn or do.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: aptitude or attitude?
aptitude vs attitude
Attitude is a way of thinking, not an ability.
Practice
An aptitude test measures...
Choose one answer.
Aptitude means potential ability.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “aptitude”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.
Your sentence stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.