Malapropos meaning

Malapropos means inappropriate or out of place.


Malapropos definitions

Word backwards soporpalam
Part of speech Malapropos is an adverb.
Syllabic division ma-la-pro-pos
Plural The plural of malapropos is malapropos. It is not typically changed to a plural form.
Total letters 10
Vogais (2) a,o
Consonants (5) m,l,p,r,s

Malapropos refers to something that is inappropriate or ill-timed. It can be a word, action, or behavior that is not suitable for a particular situation.

Origin of Malapropos

The term "malapropos" originated from the French phrase "mal a propos," which translates to "badly for the purpose." It gained popularity in English literature through the character Mrs. Malaprop in the play "The Rivals" by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Mrs. Malaprop was known for her humorous misuse of words, leading to the creation of the term "malapropism."

Examples of Malapropos

An example of a malapropos statement would be saying, "I resemble that remark" instead of "I resent that remark." Another example could be calling a harmonica a "harmonium." These mistakes often lead to confusion or amusement due to the unintended humor in the mix-up of words.

Impact of Malapropos

Malapropos statements can have various impacts depending on the context. In casual settings, they may generate laughs and break the ice in a conversation. However, in professional or formal settings, such as public speaking or business meetings, malapropos remarks can be perceived as unprofessional or disrespectful.

It is essential to be mindful of the words we use and ensure they are appropriate for the situation to avoid any malapropos moments. Communication plays a vital role in conveying our intentions effectively, and using the right words can make a significant difference in how we are perceived by others.


Malapropos Examples

  1. Her joke was so malapropos that it left everyone in awkward silence.
  2. The timing of his comment was completely malapropos, interrupting the somber moment.
  3. She often speaks in malapropos, mixing up words in a humorous way.
  4. His malapropos use of technical terms made it hard for the audience to follow his presentation.
  5. The politician's malapropos statement caused a media frenzy and backlash from the public.
  6. The teacher corrected the student's malapropos use of vocabulary during the class discussion.
  7. The malapropos headline in the newspaper led to confusion among readers.
  8. His malapropos behavior at the party made him the subject of gossip among the guests.
  9. She unintentionally made a malapropos comment about her friend's appearance, causing offense.
  10. The choice of music for the event seemed somewhat malapropos, given the theme of the evening.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 16:03:24