predilection

[ pred-l-ek-shuhn, preed- ]

noun

1. a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference:

   a predilection for Bach.

   Synonyms: weakness, prepossession, predisposition, liking, leaning, inclination, bias

predilection

/ ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən /

noun

1. a predisposition, preference, or bias

Word History and Origins

Origin of predilection¹

First recorded in 1735–45; from Middle French prédilection, Italian predilezione, and Medieval Latin praedīlect(us) “beloved, preferred,” past participle of praedīligere “to prefer” ( predilect ) + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of predilection¹

C18: from French prédilection, from Medieval Latin praedīligere to prefer, from Latin prae before + dīligere to love

Example Sentences

“California has shown a predilection for funding things that are over and above what Medicaid nationally will do,” such as covering low-income Californians regardless of immigration status, said John Baackes, chief executive of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump’s predilection for praising Russian dictator Vladimir Putin makes it unlikely that he will raise this issue during their future conversations or meetings.

From Los Angeles Times

Given my predilections, it’s not surprising that there are a lot of cartoons on this list.

From Los Angeles Times

But for the most part, viewers have been left to draw conclusions about contestants’ political leanings based on circumstantial evidence such as their social media history or predilection for star-spangled clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

More people are familiar with the second movie than the first these days, which also says something about our predilection for the visceral in life and on TV.

From Salon

Related Words

• fondness
• leaning
• penchant
• predisposition
• proclivity
• propensity