Apropos
adjective / adverb /ˌæprəˈpəʊ/ — Perfectly relevant and timely — exactly right for the situation.
Definition
Completely appropriate or relevant to the moment — said of a remark, idea, or action that fits the situation with such precision that its timing and content seem almost designed.
Beyond the definition
Apropos is the word for perfect relevance. When something is apropos, it is not just relevant — it arrives at precisely the right moment and illuminates precisely the right thing.
Origin & history
French 'à propos' — 'à' (to) + 'propos' (purpose, matter). Literally 'to the purpose' — directly relevant to what is being discussed.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Her observation was so apropos it silenced the argument.
'Apropos of nothing' is a phrase for the thought that arrives without being called.
The quote he chose was apropos — everyone in the room felt its accuracy.
Synonyms
pertinent, apt, relevant, timely, fitting
Antonyms
irrelevant, inapt, untimely
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Capturing the perfect fleeting light
An adult stands on a city balcony as sunlight breaks through clouds to strike a beautiful flower in a pot.
The timing of the camera capture is apropos—it fits the exact, fleeting situation with such precision that the result feels designed. It captures the moment where the subject, the light, and the photographer’s timing align perfectly, appearing entirely and satisfyingly appropriate.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration