apport: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2+)Technical, Historical, or Esoteric
Quick answer
What does “apport” mean?
(historical/technical) To bring or carry something to a place, especially as a contribution.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(historical/technical) To bring or carry something to a place, especially as a contribution.
1) In spiritualism/parapsychology: the alleged paranormal transference or materialization of an object. 2) In law (historical): property brought by a wife to her husband at marriage. 3) In computing/data: to import or transfer a resource.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in meaning. Both regions primarily use the parapsychology sense. The historical legal sense ('marriage portion') may be slightly more referenced in UK historical texts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the general sense is archaic. The parapsychology sense carries connotations of pseudoscience or belief in the supernatural.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Likely slightly higher in American English within paranormal communities due to popular media.
Grammar
How to Use “apport” in a Sentence
[Subject] apport [Object] (e.g., The medium apported a rose).[Object] was apported (passive).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “apport” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Victorian medium claimed she could apport small trinkets during séances.
- Historical documents show the bride was to apport a considerable sum.
American English
- The psychic attempted to apport a coin from the sealed box.
- The old software was designed to apport data from legacy systems.
adverb
British English
- Not used adverbially.
American English
- Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- The apport phenomenon was heavily debated by the Society for Psychical Research.
- She studied apport cases from the 19th century.
American English
- They reviewed the apport evidence presented at the conference.
- An apport object is said to appear from nowhere.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in parapsychology literature and historical studies (e.g., medieval law).
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be unknown to most speakers.
Technical
Primary context is parapsychology. Also historical computing (obsolete).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “apport”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “apport”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “apport”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'bring'.
- Confusing it with 'support' or 'import'.
- Misspelling as 'aport' or 'apportment'.
- Incorrect stress: /ˈæp.ɔːrt/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, specialized term. Most native speakers will not know it.
Its most common contemporary usage is in spiritualism and parapsychology, referring to the paranormal appearance or materialization of an object.
No. The general meaning 'to bring' is considered archaic and is not used in modern standard English. Using it this way would sound strange or pretentious.
Yes, 'apport' itself is used as a noun (e.g., 'the apport of a flower'). The act of apporting can be called 'apportation', though this is even rarer.
(historical/technical) To bring or carry something to a place, especially as a contribution.
Apport is usually technical, historical, or esoteric in register.
Apport: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɔːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɔːrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'a port' where ships bring (apport) goods. Or, in paranormal shows, a psychic might 'report' an 'apport'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVING AN OBJECT IS INSTANTANEOUSLY BRINGING IT (from an unknown source).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'apport' most likely to be encountered in modern English?