A propósito

Question

Just discovered this phrase which, apparently, can mean both "by the way" or "on purpose".
Two very different meanings but I can see they are unlikely to be confused in practice.
I would be interested if anyone could comment on how the different meanings arose and give some examples of how they might occur in everyday speech.

Thank you.

I'm studying the Pimsleur Language course and it uses "a propósito" as by the way, in the context of changing a subject with someone. - thatbitch1212, Jan 1, 2010

That does seem to be the most popular meaning by far. BTW, welcome to SpanishDict! - Jespa, Jan 1, 2010

Answer 1

In some contexts, a propósito can also mean "on purpose" or "deliberately." (As a noun, propósito typically means "intention" or "purpose.") When used in that way, a propósito typically comes after the verb instead of at the beginning of a sentence. Example: Determinaron que no fue a propósito. (They determined it was not done deliberately.)

a propósito

I spent a half hour trying to figure out what someone was trying to say in a message on this site that contained what I thought was by the way (a propósito). Then someone said it also meant on purpose and it fit perfectly. Another day in the dunce corner.

Good stuff. Qfreed. - jeezzle, Dec 17, 2009

Yes, I was lucky to have both meanings from the start! - Jespa, Dec 17, 2009

Not another day in the dunce corner - another valuable lesson :) - Lrtward, Dec 17, 2009

Answer 2

The phrase seems to be an all-purpose one. Check out Google Translator for its multitude of uses.

Sort of mind-boggling!

Well, I will never be stuck for something to say in Spanish now :-) - Jespa, Dec 17, 2009

Answer 3

I have heard this in shows but it always has meant "by the way" I would love to see someone that speaks Spanish fluently come in here and explain the differences.