Apropos

Apropos is a French preposition that has been adopted into English. It is used to introduce a subject or topic that is relevant to the current discussion. It is often translated as "with regard to," "concerning," or "speaking of." The word itself comes from the Latin phrase "ad propositum," meaning "to the purpose."

The use of apropos in English can add a touch of sophistication or formality to writing and speech. It signals a shift in focus or a transition to a related point. For example, one might say, "The weather has been quite unusual lately. Apropos, have you heard about the upcoming meteor shower?" This sentence uses apropos to connect the general observation about the weather to the specific event of the meteor shower.

While apropos is a perfectly acceptable word in English, it is not as commonly used as its English equivalents. Some may find its French origin to be a bit pretentious, while others appreciate its distinct nuance. When using apropos, it is important to ensure that the connection between the preceding statement and the subsequent one is clear and logical. Its correct usage maintains the flow of conversation or text.