English UsageVocabulary guide

Apropos: Meaning and Usage

“Apropos” has more than one grammatical job. It can connect a new point to the subject just mentioned, often in the pattern “apropos of,” and it can also function as an adjective meaning suitable or appropriate. The guide keeps those senses separate so the word is not reduced to one substitution rule.

Quick answer

“Apropos” is a formal word that can mean “regarding” or “with reference to”; as an adjective it can also mean appropriate or suitable to the occasion.

Key details

Core Meaningrelated to what has just been said; also suitable or appropriate in a particular situation
Registerformal
Word Classformal adverb, preposition, and adjective

Further guidance

Adjective Boundary

As an adjective, “apropos” can mean suitable or appropriate to the occasion, so context determines whether the word means “regarding” or “appropriate.”

Meaning

As an adverb or preposition, “apropos” introduces something connected with the current subject; “apropos of” is a common pattern.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. apropos — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press & Assessment · Apropos as a formal adverb or preposition for something related, and as an adjective meaning suitable

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