Apt \Apt\ ([a^]pt), a. [F. apte, L. aptus, fr. obsolete apere to
fasten, to join, to fit, akin to apisci to reach, attain: cf.
Gr. ? to fasten, Skr. [=a]pta fit, fr. [=a]p to reach
attain.]
1. Fit or fitted; suited; suitable; appropriate.
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They have always apt instruments. --Burke.
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A river . . . apt to be forded by a lamb. --Jer.
Taylor.
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2. Having an habitual tendency; habitually liable or likely;
-- used of things.
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My vines and peaches . . . were apt to have a soot
or smuttiness upon their leaves and fruit. --Temple.
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This tree, if unprotected, is apt to be stripped of
the leaves by a leaf-cutting ant. --Lubbock.
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3. Inclined; disposed customarily; given; ready; -- used of
persons.
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Apter to give than thou wit be to ask. --Beau. & Fl.
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That lofty pity with which prosperous folk are apt
to remember their grandfathers. --F. Harrison.
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4. Ready; especially fitted or qualified (to do something);
quick to learn; prompt; expert; as, a pupil apt to learn;
an apt scholar. "An apt wit." --Johnson.
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Live a thousand years,
I shall not find myself so apt to die. --Shak.
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I find thee apt . . . Now, Hamlet, hear. --Shak.
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Syn: Fit; meet; suitable; qualified; inclined; disposed;
liable; ready; quick; prompt.
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