Appositeness

/əˈpɑzɪtnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality of being suitable, relevant, or appropriate for a particular purpose or situation.

Etymology

From apposite plus the -ness suffix, which creates an abstract noun. Apposite comes from Latin appositus, meaning placed near or applied appropriately.

Kelly Says

The appositeness of a joke is what makes people laugh—it hits exactly the right moment and subject. This is why the same joke told at different times can either kill or totally bomb; timing and context matter for appositeness.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.