apt
Latinfit, suitable, fasten
About This Root
From Latin aptus (fit, suitable, connected). Radiates through fitness and skill — apt (fitting), aptitude (natural fitness), adapt (to make fit), adept (highly skilled), and inept (not fit, clumsy). The variant ept- explains why we say 'inept' but not '*ept'. Attitude also derives from this root, originally meaning 'fitness of posture'.
Associated Words · 19
attitude
A person's feelings or opinions about something; body posture
adapt
To modify for a new purpose; to adjust to new conditions
apt
Suitable; naturally inclined; quick to learn
adaptive
Able to adjust to new conditions
adept
Highly skilled; an expert
aptly
In a suitable or appropriate manner
aptitude
A natural ability or talent
inept
Lacking skill or competence; clumsy or unsuitable
adaptable
Able to adjust to different conditions or situations
adaptability
The ability to adjust to new or changed circumstances
ineptitude
Lack of skill or competence; clumsiness
ineptness
The quality of being clumsy or incompetent
adaption
The process of adjusting to new conditions; variant of 'adaptation'
adeptly
In a highly skilled manner
ineptly
In a clumsy or incompetent manner
adeptness
A high level of skill or expertise
inapt
Not appropriate or suitable; awkward
adapted
Modified to suit a different purpose or condition
well-adapted
Skillfully suited to a particular environment or purpose