Question
I'm particularly interested in the meaning of apt, but while I was searching through some dictionaries and examples it struck me how close the words apt and fit seem to be. Thus: what exactly is the difference between apt and fit?
Etymology
As I understand from etymonline.com the word apt came from – next part copied from etymonline – from Latin aptus where it meant "fit, suited" which is related to apere "to attach, join, tie to". The Proto Indo European root is ap- and means to grasp, take, reach
Fit on the other hand seems to be somewhat more difficult to trace back. Etymonline states that mid 15th century it meant "suited to the circumstances, proper," though of unknown origin, perhaps from Middle English noun fit "an adversary of equal power" (mid-13c.) which in turn might be connected to Old English fitt "a conflict, a struggle"
Additional Thoughts/Questions
Reading the etymologies above, would it be fair to say that the difference between an apt student and a fit student would be that:
- an apt student is a student that has the right conduct/behaviour in regard to studying?
- a fit student is the student that is (especially physically) well equiped to engage in a struggle, e.g. study?
Anyway, the above is just an example to get the discussion started, but if you have broader views on the difference of apt and fit please share them as well. Thanks in advance!
Best Answer
"Apt" and "fit" are generally not interchangeable, as one or the other tends to be preferred in a given context. I think the degree of specificity is what distinguishes them. "Fit" tends to means "well-suited to a particular purpose", while "apt" means "well-chosen" or "appropriate" in a more holistic sense. Here are some examples:
"This was an apt observation, given the events that followed." The observation was especially well chosen in context, not for any particular purpose, so "fit" doesn't really work here. However, "fitting" could be used.
"The survey was designed to determine which candidate was most fit for the job." Since a specific purpose is cited, "fit" works better than "apt" here.
"Joe proved an apt pupil, quickly surpassing his peers." Here, "apt" is used to mean "skillful" in a general sense, without any particular purpose.
"Only the most physically and mentally fit students can become underwater basket weavers." Here the two words are pretty interchangeable, although perhaps "adept" would be better than "apt".