Dictionary entry

Apt

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Apt (�), a. [F. apte, L. aptus, fr. obsolete apere to fasten, to join, to fit, akin to apisci to reach, attain: cf. Gr. � to fasten, Skr. āpta fit, fr. āp to reach attain.] 1. Fit or fitted; suited; suitable; appropriate.

They have always apt instruments.

Burke.

A river... apt to be forded by a lamb.

Jer. Taylor.

2. Having an habitual tendency; habitually liable or likely; — used of things.

My vines and peaches... were apt to have a soot or smuttiness upon their leaves and fruit.

Temple.

This tree, if unprotected, is apt to be stripped of the leaves by a leaf-cutting ant.

Lubbock.

3. Inclined; disposed customarily; given; ready; — used of persons.

Apter to give than thou wit be to ask.

Beau. & Fl.

That lofty pity with which prosperous folk are apt to remember their grandfathers.

F. Harrison.

4. Ready; especially fitted or qualified (to do something); quick to learn; prompt; expert; as, a pupil apt to learn; an apt scholar. “An apt wit.” Johnson.

Live a thousand years,

I shall not find myself so apt to die.

Shak.

I find thee apt... Now, Hamlet, hear.

Shak.

Syn. — Fit; meet; suitable; qualified; inclined; disposed; liable; ready; quick; prompt.