aptitude

noun ap·ti·tude \ˈap-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

: a natural ability to do something or to learn something

Full Definition of APTITUDE

a : inclination, tendency <an aptitude for hard work>

b : a natural ability : talent

: capacity for learning <an aptitude for languages>

: general suitability : aptness

— ap·ti·tu·di·nal \ˌap-tə-ˈtü-d^ən-əl, -ˈtyü-\ adjective

— ap·ti·tu·di·nal·ly adverb

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Origin of APTITUDE

Middle English, from Medieval Latin aptitudo, from Late Latin, fitness, from Latin aptus

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to APTITUDE

Synonyms: affection, affinity, inclination, bent, bias, bone, devices, disposition, genius, habitude, impulse, leaning, partiality, penchant, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn

Synonym Discussion of APTITUDE

gift, faculty, aptitude, bent, talent, genius, knack mean a special ability for doing something. gift often implies special favor by God or nature <the gift of singing beautifully>. faculty applies to an innate or less often acquired ability for a particular accomplishment or function <a faculty for remembering names>. aptitude implies a natural liking for some activity and the likelihood of success in it <a mechanical aptitude>. bent is nearly equal to aptitude but it stresses inclination perhaps more than specific ability <a family with an artistic bent>. talent suggests a marked natural ability that needs to be developed <has enough talent to succeed>. genius suggests impressive inborn creative ability <has no great genius for poetry>. knack implies a comparatively minor but special ability making for ease and dexterity in performance <the knack of getting along>.