aptitudes

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "aptitudes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's natural abilities or talents. For example, "He had no experience in accounting, but his aptitudes for numbers made him a quick study."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He said he suspected that discrimination was relatively unimportant, and that the variability of aptitudes might matter a lot.

The Economist

IN "DIVERGENT", A book series and Hollywood film, humans in a post-apocalypse Chicago are split into five different groups according to their aptitudes and values.

The Economist

In one of his best chapters, "The Many Roots of Our Suffering", Mr Pinker suggests that conflict between the drives which evolution has landed us with and the aptitudes that would now help us prosper is probably inevitable.

The Economist

Keystone Education, which offers specialist education tailored to different aptitudes in several states, claims that 80% of its graduates keep on the right side of the law for at least a year after they have left, whereas just 20% or so from the state's special schools do.

The Economist

This originated in the 1930s when what became known as the Hawthorne research, involving the workers and management of an industrial plant near Chicago, brought out the importance to productivity of social or informal organization, good communications, individual and group behaviour, and attitudes (as distinct from aptitudes).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Problems also arose at the upper secondary level, where education remained rigidly uniform even though students were increasingly diverse in abilities, aptitudes, and interests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Similar considerations apply to vocal and instrumental musical aptitudes wherein unique combinations of such anatomical structures as lips, teeth, larynx, tongue, eyes, ears, hands, and arms can facilitate the attainment of virtuoso skill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The aptitudes of individuals (as measured by industrial psychologists) are imperfect predictors of job performance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Given such examples, it is likely that inherited factors underlying behavioral aptitudes and capacities may have evolved from different selective pressures in different ecological niches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Education was to be compulsory from age 6 to 18. Schooling was to be divided into three successive stages: (1) 6 to 11, aimed at mastery of the basic skills and knowledge, (2) 11 to 15, a period of guidance to discover aptitudes, and (3) 15 to 18, a stage during which education was to be diversified and specialized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

What, he asks, can the growing body of research into these traits/aptitudes teach us about how to be wise?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's potential, use "aptitudes" to refer to their natural inclinations and strengths, rather than focusing solely on their current skills.

Common error

Avoid using "aptitudes" to describe someone's accomplishments or expertise. "Aptitudes" are potential, not realized skills. Instead, use terms like "skills", "expertise", or "achievements" to describe what someone has already accomplished.

Linguistic Context

The word "aptitudes" functions primarily as a noun, referring to natural tendencies, talents, or capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correctly used across various contexts to describe inherent abilities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "aptitudes" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe natural talents or potential abilities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using "aptitudes", it's important to distinguish it from "skills", which refer to acquired abilities, and to avoid using it to describe accomplished achievements. Consider using synonyms like "natural abilities" or "inherent talents" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

natural abilities

Focuses on innate qualities rather than developed skills.

inherent talents

Emphasizes the inborn nature of the skills.

innate capabilities

Highlights the potential for achievement that someone possesses from birth.

natural gifts

Suggests a special, often exceptional, ability.

predispositions

Implies a tendency or inclination toward certain activities or skills.

propensities

Similar to predispositions, but may also include learned habits.

skills

Highlights acquired proficiency through training or experience.

talents

General term for natural or acquired abilities.

competencies

Focuses on demonstrated abilities to perform specific tasks effectively.

abilities

General capabilities, both innate and acquired.

FAQs

How do I use "aptitudes" in a sentence?

Use "aptitudes" to describe a person's natural talents or potential abilities. For example, "She showed a natural aptitude for music" or "The test is designed to assess students' aptitudes for different subjects".

What can I say instead of "aptitudes"?

You can use alternatives like "natural abilities", "inherent talents", or "innate capabilities" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "aptitudes" or "attitudes"?

"Aptitudes" refers to natural talents or abilities, while "attitudes" refers to a person's feelings or beliefs. They are distinct concepts, so use the word that accurately reflects your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "aptitudes" and "skills"?

"Aptitudes" are natural inclinations or potential abilities, while "skills" are abilities acquired through learning and practice. Aptitudes suggest potential, while skills represent developed competence.