ˈaptəˌtüd, -ptə.tyüd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin aptitudo, from Late Latin, fitness, from Latin aptus fit + -i- + -tudo -tude — more at apt
1. : a tendency, capacity, or inclination to learn or understand : mental alertness : quick-wittedness , aptness
boys of real ability with an aptitude for classics — A.C.Benson
2.
a. : a natural inclination or disposition
beavers have an aptitude for building dams
b. : a natural or acquired capacity or ability
endowed … with a stubborn aptitude for facing facts — Ellen Glasgow
3. : a general fitness or suitableness : appropriateness
that sociable and helpful aptitude which God implanted between man and woman — John Milton
4. obsolete : attitude 1
5. : any constellation of measurable characteristics known to predispose to the learning of certain skills
Synonyms: see gift