aptness

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English apt Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English aptness From apt + -ness.

1. Suitability; the quality of being apt or suitable.

   “A regular supply of coking slack is sent from Durham to the Scunthorpe area, in view of its special aptness for steelmaking processes, [...].”

2. Disposition of the mind; propensity.

   “the aptness of men to follow example”

3. Speed or readiness in learning; docility.

   “An aptness to learn is more observable in some children than in others.”

4. Proneness; tendency.

   “the aptness of iron to rust”