apropos

Definitions

From French à propos = 'to the purpose' (à 'to' + propos, from Latin proprius 'one's own / fitting'). Something apropos belongs to the topic at hand — it's on point. The casual 'by the way' use signals you're adding a remark that's relevant to what was just said.

Why It Means This

Borrowed whole from French, so it keeps a French feel and stays formal or literary. Most common in the fixed phrase 'apropos of' (apropos of nothing = with no connection to what came before). The link to the prop family is the proprius idea of 'fitting' — what is apropos suits the moment.

Common Collocations

• 1.apropos of nothing毫无来由地
• 2.apropos of关于……
• 3.highly apropos非常切题

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Apropos of our earlier talk, I found the report you wanted.

• 2.

  Her comment was witty and entirely apropos.

• 3.

  Apropos of nothing, he suddenly asked about my childhood.