Aptly

How to spell aptly

5 letters · 2 syllables

How to pronounce aptly

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does aptly mean?

1. adverbIn a way that is suitable, fitting, or well chosen for the situation.

Aptly in a sentence

• The report was aptly titled, capturing the problem in a single phrase.

• The new manager was aptly described as calm under pressure.

Where does aptly come from?

Language of origin: Latin

This adverb is built on the adjective 'apt', which English took from the Latin aptus, meaning 'fitted', 'suited', or 'attached'. That word came from the verb apere, 'to fasten or join together', so the underlying idea is of something neatly fitted into place. English borrowed 'apt' in the late 1300s, and the adverb 'aptly' followed soon after by adding the native English ending -ly. The same Latin root for fastening surfaces in relatives such as 'adapt' (to fit toward something) and 'aptitude' (a natural fitness for a task). The spelling keeps the silent-feeling 'pt' cluster from the Latin aptus, which is the small trap, since the 'p' and 't' run together quickly in speech.

How the word is built

• apt (fit, suitable)
• -ly (adverb suffix)