To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of apposite : highly : apt apposite remarks apposite examples highly pertinent or appropriate

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from apposite appositely adverb appositeness noun

Choose the Right Synonym for apposite relevant, germane, material, pertinent, apposite, applicable, apropos mean relating to or bearing upon the matter in hand. relevant implies a traceable, significant, logical connection. found material relevant to her case germane may additionally imply a fitness for or appropriateness to the situation or occasion. a point not germane to the discussion material implies so close a relationship that it cannot be dispensed with without serious alteration of the case. facts material to the investigation pertinent stresses a clear and decisive relevance. a pertinent observation apposite suggests a felicitous relevance. add an apposite quotation to the definition applicable suggests the fitness of bringing a general rule or principle to bear upon a particular case. the rule is not applicable in this case apropos suggests being both relevant and opportune. the quip was apropos

Did You Know? Apposite and "opposite" sound so much alike that you would expect them to have a common ancestor - and they do. It is the Latin verb ponere, which means "to put or place." Adding the prefix ad- to "ponere" created apponere, meaning "to place near" or "to apply to," and that branch of the "ponere" family tree led to "apposite." The word is used to describe something that applies well to or is very appropriate for something else, a notion perhaps suggested by the close proximity of two objects. To get "opposite," the prefix ob- was added to "ponere" to create opponere, meaning "to place against or opposite." The related verb componere, meaning "to put together," gave us "compound" and "composite."

First Known Use of apposite 1621, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for apposite Latin appositus, from past participle of apponere to place near, from ad- + ponere to put — more at position

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more