Word of the Day

: February 19, 2007

apropos

adjective ap-ruh-POH

What It Means

: being both relevant and opportune

apropos in Context

Sean interrupted our conversation about politics and, apropos of nothing, asked who we thought would win the basketball game.

Did You Know?

English borrowed "apropos" from the French phrase "à propos," literally "to the purpose." Since it first appeared in 1668, "apropos" has been used as an adverb, adjective, noun, and preposition. Left alone, the word probably wouldn't have gotten much attention, but in 1926 noted language expert H. W. Fowler declared that "apropos" should always be followed by "of." Since then, most commentators have felt compelled to take note of the term. Some take Fowler's recommendation to be virtually a commandment, but others note that "apropos" is sometimes used by itself in professionally edited prose, or, more rarely, followed by "to."