propensity

American  

[pruh-pen-si-tee] / prəˈpɛn sɪ ti /

noun

plural

propensities

1. a natural inclination or tendency.

   a propensity to drink too much.

   Synonyms:

   proclivity, penchant, disposition, leaning, bent

2. Obsolete. favorable disposition or partiality.

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propensity British  

/ prəˈpɛnsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a natural tendency or disposition

2. obsolete partiality

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Etymology

Origin of propensity

First recorded in 1560–70; propense + -ity

Compare meaning

How does propensity compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• proclivity vs. propensity

Example Sentences

The judge would have to infer guilt from the fact that stories contained private information, and, he claimed, Mail journalists had a "propensity" to use unlawful methods.

From BBC

Still, here’s one that those with a propensity to motion sickness may want to take a pass on.

From Los Angeles Times

The characters’ propensity for ugly faces, silliness and a bit of grossness too, stems from the portrayals of girlhood and young womanhood that appeal to them.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities are now "talking about boosting consumption propensity, which is the right way to think about it", said Feng.

From Barron's

But one person had a propensity to announce to everyone at the beginning of the call that she had a “hard stop” at 2 p.m., so we had to wrap up by that time.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• bias
• disposition
• leaning
• penchant
• predilection
• predisposition
• proclivity
• susceptibility
• tendency