apt-, ept-

1. A personal name of an individual that aptly describes the occupation of that person, especially by happenstance: In was coincidence that Susan House got a job as a real estate agent, an aptonym which fit perfectly to being Mrs. House and to the job itself!

The term aptonym is used for "people whose names and occupations, workplaces, or situations have a close correspondence", according to Frank Nuessel in The Study of Names.
2. Etymology: term used for "people whose names and occupations or situations have a close correspondence".

A compound word that consists of the adjective apt, from Latin via Middle English meaning, "suitable", or "appropriate" + Greek -nym, "name".

Examples of aptonyms or aptronyms

• Peter Hammer, a hardware store clerk
• Nita House, a real estate agent
• Dr. Barret Hyman, an obstetrician and gynecologist
• Dr. Joseph C. Babey, a pediatrician
• Thomas Edison, a General Electric employee
• Ken Lawless, a police chief
• Fred Couch, an upholsterer
• Cathy Book, a bookstore clerk
• Bob Counts, an accountant
• Leonard Divine, a rabbi
• Dr. Knapp, an anesthesiologist
• Lawrence E. Lawhead, an attorney
• Dr. Carey Parrett, a veterinarian
• Jerry Frisk, a security guard
• Joe B. Musselman, a body builder
• James Splatter, a painter
• George Wheeler, independent trucker
• Sue Yoo, a lawyer
• Will Wynn, former mayor of Austin, Texas (2003-2009)

A name which matches or sounds like its owner’s occupation or character: It was interesting and funny that Mrs. School became a teacher showing that it was true that aptronyms could really occur!

Attributed to Franklin P. Adams, as discussed in the book, What's In a Name, by Paul Dickson.

Some actual names include: Dan Druff, a barber; Felicity Foote, a dance teacher; James Bugg, an exterminator; Will Snow, an arctic explorer; and William Wordsworth, the poet.

A deficiency or the complete lack of saliva secretion: When Gerald has significant aptyalisms, it becomes very difficult or impossible for him to have enough saliva to moisten his mouth to begin the digestive process, and to lubricate food while he tries to chew and swallow.

Since Martin is afflicted with aptyalism, he has a very dry mouth and has a problem eating without frequent sips of water.

1. A feeling or a way of thinking which affects a person's behavior: Beatrice has a positive attitude about the kind of work she does because she works together with others and is friendly; however, Jeremy has a negative attitude since he is not friendly or cooperative.
2. The way a person feels about someone or something: The teacher, Mr. Straight, wants to change the hostile attitude some of his students have regarding mathematics.

The saleslady has an amiable and pleasant attitude with all of her customers.

3. Etymology: from Latin aptitudinem, "fitness"; from Latin aptus, "joined, fitted".

To present a special behavior in order to impress others: Jim was attitudinizing his audience with stories about how he was able to accomplish more for his company than anyone else. © ALL rights are reserved.
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1. Not suitable and inappropriate in the situation; improper: If the gossip going around the offices were true, it would be completely inapt to repeat it in front of the boss!
2. Characterizing a person who lacks skill or aptitude: Louise was not as strong as her brother and was inapt at lifting the very heavy boxes that had to be carried to the attic.

1. Lack of suitability; the situation of being inappropriate: Joan’s friend showed inaptitude when he started smoking while the others were still eating their dinner at the same table in the restaurant.
2. The absence of the skill or the capability of doing something: Because Tom realized his inaptitude at filling out his income tax form by himself, he decided to have a professional agency do it for him. © ALL rights are reserved.

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Regarding how something is said, accomplished, etc. in awkward or inappropriate way: Sam's horse, inaptly named Speedy, was the slowest horse on the ranch!

1. Referring to something that is unsuitable, out of place, or inappropriate: Little Mary made an inept comment, or an ill-chosen remark, to her mother saying that the beans tasted terrible.
2. Relating to an awkward, a clumsy, or an incompetent situation: Jim’s son was a hopelessly inept dancer, who too often stepped on the toes of his partner!
3. Characteristic of someone who is lacking in reason or judgment; foolish: The mailman turned out to be very inept because he often lost some of the letters he was supposed to deliver!
4. Etymology: from Latin ineptus; in, "not" + aptus, apt, "joined, fitted".

© ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

1. Unsuitable or a lack of proper behavior: James displayed his ineptitude at the dinner party by telling too many inappropriate jokes.
2. A deficiency of ability or skill: Because Tom knew his ineptitude at filling out his income tax form by himself, he decided to have a professional agency do it for him.

1. Referring how a person does something in a clumsy or bungling way: The waiter at the restaurant was new at his job and ineptly served the pizza and wine to the wrong guests, and furthermore spilled the wine on the table!
2. Concerning how a deficiency in reason, sense, or judgment is shown; foolish: Sandra ineptly made a remark to her mother which hurt her feelings very much.

1. The plight of an individual who is unfit or clumsy: Jill's ineptness at playing the piano was a result of not having a professional piano teacher because she tried to teach herself!
2. The condition a person who has the wrong traits or abilities for a certain purpose; unsuitability: Greg was a very bad swimmer and showed ineptness at taking part in the swimming competition at school.