of an inappropriate or incorrectly applied nature
adjective (modifies a noun)
more malapropos
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French mal à propos "inopportunely, inappropriately", literally "badly for the...
(Source: Online Etymology) [more]
of an inappropriate or misapplied nature or kind | in an inappropriate way or manner | something inopportune or inappropriate (18 of 220 words, 3 definitions, 1 usage example, pronunciation)
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/malapropos
[formal] : in an inopportune or inappropriate way. | inopportune; inappropriate (10 of 37 words, 2 definitions, 1 usage example, pronunciation)
Out of place; inappropriate. | In an inappropriate or inopportune manner. (10 of 30 words, 2 definitions, pronunciation)
at an awkward or improper time or place; inopportune; inappropriate | in an inopportune or inappropriate manner (16 of 29 words, 2 definitions, pronunciation)
in an inappropriate or inopportune way (6 of 23 words, pronunciation)
inappropriate; out of place; inopportune; untimely. | inappropriately; inopportunely. (8 of 17 words, 2 definitions, 1 usage example, pronunciation)
out of place; inappropriate (4 of 5 words)
not appropriate to the situation in which something is done or said | in an inappropriate way or at an inopportune moment (21 of 52 words, 2 definitions, pronunciation)
encarta.msn.com/dictionary 1861627974/definition.html [offline]
First use: 1660s
Origin: French mal à propos "inopportunely, inappropriately", literally "badly for the purpose", from mal + proposer "propose".
First use: mid 17th century
Origin: French mal à propos, from mal "ill" + à "to" + propos "purpose"
Origin: French mal à propos: mal, badly + à propos, to the purpose; see "apropos".
First use: 17th century
Origin: from French mal à propos not to the purpose
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/malapropos
Origin: French mal à propos; mal bad, badly + à propos appropriate, relevant.
First use: 1668
Origin: French mal à propos
First use: Mid-17th century
Origin: French mal à propos "ill-suited to the purpose"
encarta.msn.com/dictionary 1861627974/definition.html [offline]
Audio: British English pronunciation of "malapropos"
www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/malapropos
Audio: North American pronunciation of "malapropos"
www.merriam-webster.com/audio.php file=malapr05 word=malapropos
Page last updated: 2013-01-01