apt
apt — adjective
1. perfectly matched to the moment, person, or topic — for example, a quotation tha
perfectly matched to the moment, person, or topic — for example, a quotation that captures exactly what someone meant, or a name that sums up a place's character.
Mei chose an apt quotation from her grandfather to open the wedding speech.
apt + noun (quotation, comment, phrase)
"Storm City" is an apt nickname for Wellington, where the wind never stops.
apt nickname / description / title
The judge praised the lawyer's apt comparison between the two contracts.
At the team lunch, Priya's remark that the new logo looked like a tired pretzel was surprisingly apt.
The director chose an apt piece of music for the closing scene of the film.
- fitting
everyday alternative; less formal than 'apt'
- appropriate
broader and more common; 'apt' suggests striking precision
- pertinent
formal; stresses direct relevance to the topic
- inappropriate
general opposite
- unsuitable
wrong for the situation
文法句型
apt + noun
apt + for + noun
用法筆記
Most often used to describe words, names, comments, descriptions, or examples — not people. Distinguish from sense 3 (ABLE), where the subject is a person.
常見錯誤
2. having a habit or tendency to behave in a certain way, often when the behaviour
having a habit or tendency to behave in a certain way, often when the behaviour is unwanted, careless, or hard to control.
Old wooden bridges are apt to creak loudly when a heavy truck drives across.
be apt to + bare infinitive (typical tendency)
Toddlers are apt to forget the rules the moment a parent leaves the room.
be apt to + verb (predictable behaviour)
Mira is apt to lose her temper whenever someone questions her cooking.
Pencils are apt to break if you press too hard on the paper.
Without sunscreen, fair skin is apt to burn within twenty minutes at the beach.
- unlikely
general opposite for predicted behaviour
文法句型
be apt to + verb
用法筆記
Almost always used in the pattern 'be apt to + verb'. Often carries a negative or cautionary tone — the tendency is usually toward something unwanted (forgetting, breaking, getting angry). For neutral likelihood, prefer 'likely to'.
常見錯誤
3. (of a person, especially a learner) picking up new ideas, languages, or skills q
(of a person, especially a learner) picking up new ideas, languages, or skills quickly and with little effort.
Yuki proved an apt pupil, mastering the violin within two summers.
an apt pupil / student / learner (set phrase)
Even at six, Tomás was apt at picking up new card games after one round.
apt at + -ing (skill area)
The young chef was unusually apt, copying Chef Lin's knife skills in a single morning.
Sara's grandmother says she is the most apt of all her grandchildren at chess.
- slow
of a learner who needs more time
文法句型
apt + at + noun/-ing
apt + pupil/student
用法筆記
Subject is a person, usually a learner. Frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'an apt pupil/student'. Distinguish from sense 1 (FITTING), where the subject is typically a thing such as a remark or name.
常見錯誤
apt — noun
1. the short written form of "apartment", used mainly in American postal addresses
the short written form of "apartment", used mainly in American postal addresses and on door signs to mark a specific unit number.
Please send the package to 412 Maple Street, Apt 3B, Brooklyn.
Apt + unit number in postal address
The label on the door read "Apt. 7" in faded gold paint.
Apt. with period (American style)
Priya forgot her keys and knocked on Apt 5 by mistake.
The delivery driver could not find Apt 12 in the dark hallway.
文法句型
Apt + number
Apt. + number
用法筆記
A written abbreviation, not a spoken word — read aloud as 'apartment'. Almost always followed by a unit number or letter. Common on envelopes, parcels, and apartment doors in the US; British English usually writes 'Flat 3B' instead.