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.
“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
Choose the right form
| Use | Meaning | Example shape |
|---|---|---|
| apropos / apropos of + topic | regarding; with reference to | apropos of your question |
| adjective “apropos” | appropriate or suitable to the occasion | an apropos remark |
| informal substitute everywhere | not always natural | the word is relatively formal |
Quick tests
Function test
Does “apropos” introduce a topic, or describe something as especially fitting?
If yes: For a topic connection, use “apropos” or “apropos of” in the documented formal sense.
If no: If it modifies a noun, it may mean appropriate or fitting; choose by grammatical role.
Caveat: Because the word has multiple grammatical jobs and a formal flavor, do not reduce it to a one-word substitution rule for “about.”
Examples
Apropos of your earlier question, the deadline has not changed.
The phrase means “with reference to.”
Her apropos remark moved the discussion back to the main issue.
As an adjective, it means fitting or appropriate.
Apropos, I bought some milk.
Better: Apropos of our discussion about supplies, I bought some milk.
The word can introduce a connected point, but using it for an unrelated casual topic shift is not the reviewed sense.
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.
- 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