Apropos - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

The clue "Apropos" is a classic example of a straightforward vocabulary-based clue. It asks for a direct synonym, and in this case, a very short one. These types of clues are common in crossword puzzles of all difficulty levels, often serving as accessible entry points into a section of the grid.

Clue Analysis

The word "apropos" is an adjective or adverb meaning "very appropriate to a particular situation." It comes to English from the French phrase a propos, which literally means "to the purpose." The clue is simply looking for a common English word that shares this meaning of being suitable, fitting, or relevant.

The answer is a three-letter word that perfectly captures this sense of suitability.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, a solver might use a few different strategies:

1. Direct Synonym Association: The most direct path is to mentally scan for synonyms of "apropos." You might think of words like fitting, relevant, suitable, appropriate, or germane. As you consider shorter options, the correct three-letter answer should come to mind.

2. Leveraging Crossings: Short answers can be tricky because they offer few letters to work with. However, even one crossing letter is a massive help. If you had the 'P' in the middle (P), you could quickly test common words like APE, OPE, or APT. Checking which one means "apropos" would lead you directly to the answer.

3. Pattern Recognition (Crosswordese): Experienced solvers will recognize that short, vowel-heavy words are extremely common in crossword grids. The answer to this clue is a frequent guest in puzzles. When a solver sees a clue like "Fitting" or "Suitable" for a three-letter space, this answer is often one of the first they consider.

Background Context

While "apropos" feels a bit formal, its synonym, the answer to this clue, is a very common and versatile word. It can mean:

• Suitable or appropriate: "An apt description."
• Having a tendency to do something: "He is apt to be late."
• Quick to learn: "She is an apt student."

This flexibility makes it a favorite for crossword constructors, as it can be clued in several different ways.

Conclusion

"Apropos" is a clean and fair clue that tests vocabulary in a direct way. It's a great example of how knowing a core set of synonyms can be a solver's best friend. Recognizing these simple, direct clues is a key skill for building momentum and confidence while solving.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think of a word that means 'suitable' or 'fitting'.
2. Hint 2: This word describes a comment that is particularly relevant to the conversation.
3. Hint 3: It's a very short, three-letter word.
4. Hint 4: This word can also be a common abbreviation for an apartment.

The answer is APT.