Apposite
/ˈæpəzɪt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Apposite describes something that fits a situation perfectly or is very relevant and useful. It is used when something matches well with the topic, problem, or need, making it the right choice or comment at the right time.
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See It in Action
Very suitable or appropriate for a situation
- •His comment was apposite to the discussion about climate change.
- •She gave an apposite example to explain the difficult math problem.
- •The apposite timing of the announcement helped calm the crowd.
Relevant and fitting in meaning or purpose
- •The apposite quote from the book helped support the argument.
- •They found apposite solutions to the problems quickly.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "apposite" like "right" or "good" (A1 words), but more formal and stronger—meaning exactly right for the moment or purpose
- ✓Picture a key that fits perfectly into a lock, opening it without any problem—that's apposite
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says exactly what you need to hear at the right time, like a helpful answer or advice
- ✓Sounds like "a-PO-site" → imagine a spot (site) on a map that is exactly the right place for a picnic
- ✓Imagine a teacher giving an example that perfectly explains a difficult idea—this example is apposite
- ✓NOT like "random" (no connection), apposite means connected and fitting well
- ✓NOT like "close" or "near" (only physically or roughly right), apposite means exactly right in meaning or use
- ✓NOT like "general" (broad, not specific), apposite is very specific and fitting perfectly
Try Other Words
- •Appropriate: right or proper for a situation (Use when you want a common word for something fitting or correct)
- •Relevant: connected to the matter being discussed (Use when emphasizing connection to the topic)
- •Fitting: suitable or right in a particular situation (Use when meaning something matches well)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: Possibly from Latin "ap-" (to) + "positus" (placed), meaning "placed to" or "put in the right place"
- •Etymology: From Latin "appositus," past participle of "apponere" meaning to place near or put beside
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s, originally meaning "placed near," later "appropriate" or "suitable"
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal writing or speech to describe something very appropriate or relevant
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be apposite in one culture but not in another? How does context affect what is apposite?
•How do you decide if a comment or action is apposite in a conversation or situation?
Fill in the blanks
1.His joke was apposite because it ___ the mood of the meeting perfectly.
2.The teacher gave an apposite example to ___ the student's question clearly.
3.Unlike random comments, apposite remarks are ___ to the topic being discussed.
4.When someone says something apposite, it usually ___ the main idea well.
5.She chose an apposite time to ___ the news when everyone was calm.
6.An apposite solution ___ both the problem and the resources available.
7.The speaker's apposite words helped ___ the audience’s understanding of the issue.