What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
apropos
Example
His suggestion was apropos to the ongoing discussion. [apropos: preposition]
Example
The speaker made an apropos comment about the current political climate. [apropos: adjective]
pertinent
Example
The lawyer asked pertinent questions during the trial. [pertinent: adjective]
Example
She provided pertinent information that helped solve the case. [pertinent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pertinent is more commonly used than apropos in everyday language. Pertinent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while apropos is less common and is typically used in more formal or written contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between apropos and pertinent?
While apropos is considered more formal and is commonly used in written or formal contexts, pertinent is more commonly used in both spoken and written language and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
