propensity

[ pruh-pen-si-tee ]

noun

, plural pro·pen·si·ties.

1. a natural inclination or tendency:

   a propensity to drink too much.

   Synonyms: proclivity, penchant, disposition, leaning, bent

2. Obsolete. favorable disposition or partiality.

propensity

/ prəˈpɛnsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a natural tendency or disposition
2. obsolete.
   partiality

Word History and Origins

Origin of propensity¹

First recorded in 1560–70; propense + -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of propensity¹

C16: from Latin prōpensus inclined to, from prōpendēre to propend

Example Sentences

Erivo: The propensity for loneliness.

From Los Angeles Times

“He’s got iconic hair and a propensity for women,” McCoy said of Samson.

From Los Angeles Times

“Trump’s got iconic hair and a propensity for women.”

From Los Angeles Times

He accused attorneys for the city of minimizing the threat that such officers face while dealing with suspects who have a propensity for violence and are hypervigilant about the presence of law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

But the election is also expected to draw turnout from lower propensity voter groups — including at least 65% of renters, voters of color and those with lower education or income levels, according to the poll conducted by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies and co-sponsored by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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