What does apropos mean?
Apropos describes something that is strikingly appropriate or well-timed in relation to a particular situation — a remark, action, or choice that fits the moment perfectly. It also functions as an adverb and preposition meaning 'with reference to', most familiar in the phrase 'apropos of nothing', used when someone introduces a comment that seems unconnected to the conversation at hand. Borrowed from French in the seventeenth century, the word retains a slightly formal, literary flavor that lends elegance to both speech and writing. Its versatility is unusual: few English words serve as adjective, adverb, and preposition alike. Whether praising a perfectly timed quip ('her comment was quite apropos') or pivoting topics ('apropos of which...'), apropos signals precision and fitness. For anyone who enjoys language that is both practical and polished, it remains a genuinely useful addition to the vocabulary.
Very appropriate to a particular situation; apt, fitting, or well-timed.
"The speaker's closing anecdote was remarkably apropos."
Often intensified as 'very apropos' or 'quite apropos'.
With reference to or concerning a particular subject or matter.
"Apropos of your question, I have some figures to share."
Concerning; with reference to (used chiefly in the phrase 'apropos of').
"He made a few remarks apropos of the recent election."
Apropos is one of the few English words that works as an adjective, an adverb, AND a preposition — and it arrived fully dressed from French.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of apropos
Apropos was borrowed into English from French in the early seventeenth century, ultimately deriving from the Latin phrase 'ad propósitum', meaning 'to the purpose'. The French form 'à propos' preserves the original two-part structure, while English fused it into a single word. It shares its Latin root with words such as propose, purpose, and expose, all tracing back to the verb 'ponere' (to place or put forward).
How apropos is actually used
The phrase 'apropos of nothing' is common for introducing a remark that seems unrelated to the current conversation. The word carries a slightly formal, literary tone. Some writers prefer the hyphenated or spaced French-style form 'à propos', but 'apropos' is the standard English spelling.
Easily confused with apropos
'A propos' is simply the French-derived spelling variant of the same word; 'apropos' is the standard English form.
'Appropriate' broadly means suitable for circumstances, while 'apropos' more specifically means aptly timed or precisely relevant to what is being discussed.