apropos
|æ-prə-poʊ|
🇺🇸
/ˌæprəˈpoʊ/
🇬🇧
/ˌæprəˈpəʊ/
to the point; appropriate
Etymology
'apropos' originates from French, specifically the phrase 'à propos', where 'à' meant 'to' and 'propos' meant 'purpose' or 'regard'.
'apropos' changed from the French phrase 'à propos' and was borrowed into English (recorded in the 18th century) as the fixed form 'apropos', used both as a prepositional/phrasing device and as an adjective.
Initially it literally meant 'to the purpose' or 'with regard to', and over time it evolved to be used more generally to mean 'appropriate' or to introduce a relevant remark.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
appropriate to a situation; opportune or well-timed; relevant.
That was an apropos remark at the meeting.
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Antonyms
Adverb 1
incidentally; by the way; introducing a relevant remark.
Apropos, have you read her new article?
Synonyms
Preposition 1
with reference to; regarding (often used in the phrase 'apropos of').
He made a comment apropos of the budget.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/28 14:00