释义 |
aptness|ˈæptnɪs| [f. as prec. + -ness.] 1. Fitness for a purpose; suitableness, appropriateness.
1538Starkey England 5 Your aptenes..no man doth dowte. 1702Addison Medals ii. 134 The aptness of such a posture to represent an extreme affliction. 1844Kinglake Eothen xi. (1878) 151 The universal aptness of a religious system. 2. Habitual tendency or predisposition; inclination, propensity, proneness: a. of persons.
1548Udall, etc. Erasm. Par. Rom. ii. 14 (R.) A forward-nes to sinne and a certaine aptnes therunto. 1767Fordyce Serm. Yng. Wom. II. viii. 22 That aptness..to be affrighted at trifling accidents. b. of things.
1627Smith Seaman's Gram. x. 51 Aptnesse and disposition to putrifie. 1794Herschel in Phil. Trans. LXXXV. 64 The heat of any situation depends upon the aptness of the medium to yield to the impression of the solar rays. 3. Ready susceptibility, quickness of apprehension; capacity, proficiency, aptitude.
1598Yong Diana 155 The aptnes and actiuitie of the iolly Shepherdes. 1612Brinsley Pos. Parts (1669) Introd. 2 A Scholar of any aptness. 1742Richardson Pamela IV. 317 Tricks, of which the Aptness or Docility of their Natures makes them capable. 1830Orme Baxter 19 A measure of aptness to teach and persuade men. |