C2nounformaleducationpsychology
US/ˈæp.tə.tuːd/
UK/ˈæp.tɪ.tjuːd/
a natural ability to do something well or to learn it quickly
In context
She showed an early aptitude for languages and spoke three by the age of ten.
Some universities use aptitude tests rather than school grades to select students.
Critics argue that aptitude matters less than practice and good teaching.
Words that go with aptitude
noun + preposition
- aptitude forHe has a real aptitude for mathematics.
noun + noun
- aptitude testAll applicants must take an aptitude test in English and logic.
adjective + noun
- natural aptitudeSome children have a natural aptitude for music.
- academic aptitudeThe exam claims to measure academic aptitude, not knowledge.
- musical aptitudeMusical aptitude can be developed with early training.
verb + noun
- show an aptitudeShe showed an aptitude for science from a young age.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She has a good aptitude in maths.Correct: She has an aptitude for maths.