Why does everyone use the word "apropos" to mean "appropriate"?

Question

The actual meaning of "apropos" is "in reference to", as in "Apropos our phone conversation last Thursday..."

Answer 1

Very astute observation!

Here's my take: Some people are just too eager to show how well-educated they are to the point of using "big" words at every possible turn (in most cases, inappropriately). While it is true that "big" words tend to impress the casual readers, those who have excellent command of the language will readily see through it - like listening to music, the masters can instantaneously detect off-key notes.

Answer 2

Apropos Meaning

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

"Apropos" has more than one meaning:
adv.
5Fr [ propos, to the purpose < L ad, to + propositus, pp. of proponere, PROPOSE6
1 at the right time; opportunely
2 by the way: used to introduce a remark
adj.
fitting the occasion; relevant; apt
—SYN RELEVANT
apropos of in connection with; with regard to

Answer 5

What specific incorrect usage are you referring to?

Because it means: appropriately; relevantly

apropos
Syllables: ap-ro-pos
Parts of speech: adverb , adjective

(If it can be used as an adverb, then it is CORRECT to say "That statement is apropos.:)

Part of Speech adverb
Pronunciation
ae prE po
Definition1.appropriately; relevantly.
Synonyms relevantly {relevant} , aptly {apt (1)} , suitably {suitable} , appropriately {appropriate (adj)} , properly (1) , fittingly {fitting (adj)}
Definition2.at the appropriate time; opportunely.
Synonyms seasonably {seasonable (2)} , opportunely {opportune}
Similar Words timely

http://www.wordsmyth.net/live/home.php?script=search&matchent=apropos&matchtype=exact

It is from the French, à propos which means "to the purpose," and that comes from from propos "purpose, plan," from Latin. propositium, pp. of proponere "to set forth, propose."

Answer 6

phrases, particularly foreign ones, get degraded over time faster than native english terms. Menage a trois actually translates into housekeeping for three. People use catagorically as a synonym for absolutly, but it really refers to Aristotle's categories, something people hardly study anymore.
I would worry more about people using adjectives for adverbs, but that is just my pet peeve.