Apropos

Apropos is a versatile preposition and adjective used to introduce a topic that is relevant to the current conversation or to describe something as being at the perfect moment. It serves as a sophisticated bridge between thoughts, effectively meaning regarding or opportunely.

Part of Speech: Preposition and Adjective Phonetic Spelling: ap-ruh-POH (/ˌæprəˈpoʊ/) Meaning: With reference to; concerning; or at an opportune time.

Why It Matters

Apropos allows a speaker to pivot a conversation without the clunky gears of more formal transitions, providing a linguistic shortcut to relevance.

The Art of the Pivot

Most people use apropos as a synonym for regarding, but its utility is far sharper. It functions as a conversational pivot tool. When you use it to introduce a new subject, you are claiming that the new topic is inherently linked to what was just discussed. Unlike the phrase speaking of, which can feel casual, apropos carries an air of intentionality.

The word also functions as an adjective to describe something that is particularly fitting. If a guest arrives exactly when the host mentions their name, the timing is apropos. It describes a harmony between a situation and its context. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term has been used in English since the mid-17th century, maintaining its status as a mark of a refined vocabulary.

One common pitfall is the addition of the word of after apropos. While apropos of is a legitimate prepositional phrase, using apropos alone to mean concerning is equally correct and often cleaner. In contrast to the heavy-handed in regards to, apropos provides a lean, Gallic efficiency to professional correspondence.

The Origins of Relevance

Examples in Context

• Apropos your request for a budget increase, we will review the figures during Tuesday's meeting.
• The sudden rainstorm was hardly apropos, given that we were halfway through an outdoor wedding ceremony.
• He made several comments apropos the recent changes in the company's remote work policy.
• Her timing was entirely apropos; she walked in just as the award was being announced.

Related Terms

• Synonyms: Pertinent, germane, apposite, regarding.
• Antonyms: Inappropriate, irrelevant, malapropos.

Usage Tips

To use this word like a seasoned editor, avoid over-explanation. It is best used when the connection between two ideas is subtle but real. If you are changing the subject entirely, stick to anyway or by the way. Use apropos when you want to signal that your next point is a direct, intelligent extension of the current one.

Is it always followed by of?

Not necessarily. You can say apropos the meeting or apropos of the meeting. Both are acceptable, though the former is more concise and common in modern usage.

How is it different from appropriate?

Appropriate is a general descriptor for something suitable. Apropos is more specific to timing and conversational relevance.

Can it be used at the end of a sentence?

Yes, usually as an adjective. For example: The remark was very apropos.

Key Takeaways

• Use it as a preposition to mean concerning or with reference to.
• Use it as an adjective to mean opportune or fitting.
• Keep the final s silent when speaking.
• Avoid using it for completely unrelated topics; there must be a thread of relevance.

If you enjoy mastering linguistic nuances, you might also be interested in the origins of Sonder, the history of Mellifluous, or the specific meaning of Petrichor.