aptitude
noun
ap·ti·tude ˈap-tə-ˌtüd 
-ˌtyüd
1
a
: inclination, tendency
an aptitude for hard work
b
: a natural ability : talent
an aptitude for gymnastics
2
: capacity for learning
an aptitude for languages
3
: general suitability : aptness
aptitudinal
ˌap-tə-ˈtü-də-nəl
adjective -ˈtyü-
aptitudinally adverb
Synonyms
- affection
- affinity
- bent
- bias
- bone
- devices
- disposition
- genius
- habitude
- impulse
- inclination
- leaning
- partiality
- penchant
- predilection
- predisposition
- proclivity
- propensity
- tendency
- turn
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
The new test is supposed to measure the aptitudes of the students. bored teenagers with an aptitude for getting into trouble
Recent Examples on the Web Common uses of the software include the running of aptitude tests, the scanning of resumes, chatbots and video interviewing software. 
Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 16 May 2022 Other efforts to increase the talent pool include implementing cybersecurity courses in high schools, offering workshops to lower-level IT professionals, running training in rural regions and dropping degree requirements in favor of aptitude tests. Olivia Rockeman, Bloomberg.com, 30 Mar. 2022 Businesses should consider candidates who demonstrate an aptitude for data but come from a non-technical educational background. Lee Harland, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 So opportunities abound for people with an interest in and an aptitude for budgets and filmmaking. Anousha Sakoui, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2022 Carroll showed a particular aptitude for conjuring up blend words by merging two words and paring parts of one or both. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 Automat shows an aptitude for making food that people really want to eat, particularly on its breakfast and lunch menu. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 June 2022 The dogs come in handy, as does Chase’s own rusty but formidable aptitude for violence, when the government catches up to him and dispatches an assassin to his lovely suburban home. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2022 Harlow’s music seems to be powered more by simulation of stardom than aptitude, and his craft is without a distinctive style. Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 12 May 2022 See More
Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 16 May 2022 Other efforts to increase the talent pool include implementing cybersecurity courses in high schools, offering workshops to lower-level IT professionals, running training in rural regions and dropping degree requirements in favor of aptitude tests. Olivia Rockeman, Bloomberg.com, 30 Mar. 2022 Businesses should consider candidates who demonstrate an aptitude for data but come from a non-technical educational background. Lee Harland, Forbes, 12 Aug. 2022 So opportunities abound for people with an interest in and an aptitude for budgets and filmmaking. Anousha Sakoui, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2022 Carroll showed a particular aptitude for conjuring up blend words by merging two words and paring parts of one or both. Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Aug. 2022 Automat shows an aptitude for making food that people really want to eat, particularly on its breakfast and lunch menu. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 7 June 2022 The dogs come in handy, as does Chase’s own rusty but formidable aptitude for violence, when the government catches up to him and dispatches an assassin to his lovely suburban home. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2022 Harlow’s music seems to be powered more by simulation of stardom than aptitude, and his craft is without a distinctive style. Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 12 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, "tendency, likelihood," borrowed from Medieval Latin aptitūdō, going back to Late Latin, "fitness," from Latin aptus "fastened, prepared, suitable, fitting" + -i- -i- + -tūdō -tude — more at apt entry 1
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing aptitude
Kids Definition
aptitude
noun
ap·ti·tude ˈap-tə-ˌtüd
-ˌtyüd
1
: natural ability : talent
He has an aptitude for music.
2
: capacity to learn
a test of aptitude
Medical Definition
aptitude
noun
ap·ti·tude ˈap-tə-ˌt(y)üd
: a natural or acquired capacity or ability
especially : a tendency, capacity, or inclination to learn or understand
aptitudes
noun
1
as in inclinations
a habitual attraction to some activity or thing bored teenagers with an aptitude for getting into trouble Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- inclinations
- tendencies
- affinities
- talents
- affections
- predispositions
- proclivities
- predilections
- dispositions
- propensities
- impulses
- knacks
- habitudes
- leanings
- biases
- preferences
- appetites
- partialities
- devices
- bents
- penchants
- addictions
- prejudices
- gifts
- geniuses
- bones
- genii
- faculties
- likings
- habits
- tastes
- endowments
- turns
- specialties
- specialities
- fancies
- favors
- fortes
- peculiarities
- likes
- flairs
- customs
- practices
- idiosyncrasies
- partisanships
- eccentricities
- quirks
- patterns
- singularities
- routines
- ways
- conventions
- tricks
- oddities
- wonts
- practises
- kinks
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- distastes
- allergies
- dislikes
- aversions
- disinclinations
- detachments
- indifferences
- disfavors
- disrelishes
- objectivities
- impartialities
- neutralities
- insouciances
- nonchalances
- apathies
2
as in talents
a special and usually inborn ability has an aptitude for math Synonyms & Similar Words
- talents
- knacks
- gifts
- flairs
- faculties
- skills
- endowments
- affinities
- bents
- tendencies
- geniuses
- inclinations
- eyes
- predispositions
- proclivities
- ears
- predilections
- propensities
- genii
- instincts
- minds
- capacities
- proficiencies
- dispositions
- impulses
- penchants
- habitudes
- biases
- partialities
- capabilities
- feels
- leanings
- competences
- powers
- potentials
- facilities
- heads
- ways
- noses
- specialties
- specialities
- turns
- fortes
- specialisms
- touches
- hangs
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disabilities
- handicaps
- inabilities
- incapacities
- weaknesses
- shortcomings
- cut out for
- cut out of
- cut out to be
- cut out to do
- cut plug
- cut point
- cut proud
- cut round
- cut short
- cut some slack
- cut someone dead
- cut someone some slack
- cut someone to the quick
- cut square
- cut stone
- cut string
- cut sugar
- cut terrace
- cut the apron strings
- cut the crap
- cut the Gordian knot
- cut the mustard
- in one breath
- in one ear and out the other
- in one fell swoop