Definition

1. Adverb:

   • At an opportune or appropriate time: Used to indicate that something happens or is mentioned at a suitable moment.
   • Introducing a different or related topic; incidentally: Used to introduce a comment or remark that is connected to the current subject or is an aside.

2. Adjective:

   • Of an appropriate or pertinent nature: Suitable or relevant to the matter at hand.

3. Preposition:

   • With reference to; concerning: Used to introduce the subject one is speaking about.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • Your advice came apropos just as I was making the decision.
  • He mentioned, apropos, that he had visited the museum last year.

• Adjective:

  • Her apropos comment clarified the entire discussion.
  • The speaker's apropos anecdote perfectly illustrated his point.

• Preposition (followed by 'of'):

  • Apropos of our earlier conversation, I found that article I mentioned.
  • He told a funny story, apropos of nothing in particular.

Advanced Usage

• "Apropos of nothing": Introducing a subject that has no connection to the current topic.

  • She suddenly said, apropos of nothing, "I think I'll move to Spain."

• "Timely and apropos": A formal phrase emphasizing that something is both well-timed and relevant.

  • The CEO's statement was both timely and apropos during the crisis.

Variants and Related Words

• Apropos of (prepositional phrase): Concerning, with regard to. This is the standard form when used as a preposition.
• Malapropos (adj/adv): In an inappropriate or inopportune manner. (The opposite of 'apropos').

Synonyms

• Adverb: Opportunely, seasonably, incidentally, by the way.
• Adjective: Pertinent, relevant, apposite, germane.
• Preposition: Regarding, concerning, with respect to.

Antonyms

• Adverb: Inopportunely, irrelevantly.
• Adjective: Irrelevant, inappropriate, inapposite.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To come apropos: To occur at just the right moment.
  • His offer of help came apropos.
• Nothing could be more apropos: Used to state that something is extremely relevant or fitting.
  • Your example is nothing more apropos for explaining this complex theory.

Adjective

1. of an appropriate or pertinent nature

Adverb

1. introducing a different topic; in point of fact
   • incidentally, I won't go to the party
2. at an opportune time
   • your letter arrived apropos