aptitude

UK: /ˈæptɪtjuːd/

US: /ˈæptɪˌtud, -ˌtjud/

US: (ap′ti to̅o̅d′, -tyo̅o̅d′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ap•ti•tude /ˈæptɪˌtud, -ˌtyud/   n. 

1. innate ability or skill;
   talent:
   [countable] an aptitude for mathematics.
   [uncountable] musical aptitude.

See -apt-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ap•ti•tude  (ap′ti to̅o̅d′, -tyo̅o̅d′), n. 

1. capability;
   ability;
   innate or acquired capacity for something;
   talent:
   She has a special aptitude for mathematics.
2. readiness or quickness in learning;
   intelligence:
   He was placed in honors classes because of his general aptitude.
3. the state or quality of being apt;
   special fitness.

• Late Latin aptitūdō. See apt, -i-, -tude
• Middle French)
• late Middle English (1400–50

ap′ti•tu′di•nal, adj. 
ap′ti•tu′di•nal•ly adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. predilection, proclivity, bent, gift, faculty.
• 2. acumen.
• 3. appropriateness.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

aptitude / ˈæptɪˌtjuːd/ noun

1. inherent or acquired ability
2. ease in learning or understanding; intelligence
3. the condition or quality of being apt

Etymology: 15th Century: via Old French from Late Latin aptitūdō, from Latin aptus apt