Aptitude vs Ability
Aptitude and ability are two words that are frequently confused when it comes to their meanings and connotations, but there is a distinction between them. First, let’s define the two words. Aptitude can be described as a natural ability, often used in the sense of ‘talent.’ On the other hand, ability is used to mean ‘skill’ and can also be described as the power to do something. This article aims to emphasize the difference between the two words while providing an understanding of each term.
What does Aptitude mean?
Aptitude can be defined as a natural ability, an undeveloped potential within a person. It remains dormant until the individual realizes they possess such potential and decides to use it. Aptitude tests are designed to assess people’s mental abilities. The word aptitude can be used in the following ways in the English language:
– He showed tremendous aptitude at a young age.
– She lauded his aptitude.
In both sentences, the word aptitude is used in the sense of ‘talent.’ Thus, the first sentence means ‘he showed tremendous talent at a young age,’ and the second sentence means ‘she lauded his talent.’
Sometimes, the word aptitude is used to mean ‘fitness,’ as in the phrase ‘he has tremendous mental aptitude,’ which means ‘mental fitness.’
What does Ability mean?
Ability can be defined as the power to do something. It is something that an individual possesses at the present moment. Unlike aptitude, which needs to be brought out, ability does not. Although honing one’s ability can benefit the individual, it does not have to be brought out and remains visible.
Consider the following sentences:
– He has the ability to sing well.
– She exhibited her ability to paint.
In both sentences, the word ability is used in the sense of ‘skill.’ Therefore, the first sentence means ‘he has the skill to sing well,’ and the second sentence means ‘she exhibited her skill to paint.’
Sometimes, the word ability is used to mean ‘knack,’ as in the sentence ‘sometimes he can calm things down.’ In this sentence, the word ability is used in the sense of ‘knack,’ so the sentence means ‘sometimes he has the knack of calming things down.’
It’s important to note that both aptitude and ability are used as nouns. These are the differences between aptitude and ability.
Key Takeaways
- Aptitude can be defined as a natural ability, often used in the sense of ‘talent.’
- Ability can be defined as the power to do something and is used in the sense of ‘skill.’
- Aptitude is an undeveloped potential within a person, while ability is a skill that an individual possesses at the present moment.
