APROPOS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does apropos mean? 

• APROPOS (adjective)
  The adjective APROPOS has 1 sense:

1. of an appropriate or pertinent nature

  Familiarity information: APROPOS used as an adjective is very rare.

• APROPOS (adverb)
  The adverb APROPOS has 2 senses:

1. at an opportune time

2. introducing a different topic

  Familiarity information: APROPOS used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• APROPOS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Of an appropriate or pertinent nature

Similar:

apposite; apt; pertinent (being of striking appropriateness and pertinence)

Also:

appropriate (suitable for a particular person or place or condition etc)

Attribute:

appropriateness (the quality of being specially suitable)

Antonym:

malapropos (of an inappropriate or incorrectly applied nature)

• APROPOS (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

At an opportune time

Synonyms:

apropos; seasonably; timely; well-timed

Context example:

your letter arrived apropos

Sense 2

Meaning:

Introducing a different topic

Synonyms:

apropos; by the bye; by the way; incidentally

Context example:

incidentally, I won't go to the party

 Context examples 

Fanny had not a word to say against its becomingness, and, excepting what remained of her scruples, was exceedingly pleased with an acquisition so very apropos.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

“I don't, indeed, my dear boy,” he returned; “but I mean to say that they are managed and decided by the same set of people, down in that same Doctors' Commons. You shall go there one day, and find them blundering through half the nautical terms in Young's Dictionary, apropos of the “Nancy” having run down the “Sarah Jane”, or Mr. Peggotty and the Yarmouth boatmen having put off in a gale of wind with an anchor and cable to the “Nelson”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)