proclivity

[ proh-kliv-i-tee ]

noun

, plural pro·cliv·i·ties.

1. natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition:

   a proclivity to meticulousness.

   Synonyms: disposition, leaning, bent

   Antonyms: aversion

proclivity

/ prəˈklɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. a tendency or inclination

Word History and Origins

Origin of proclivity¹

1585–95; < Latin prōclīvitās tendency, literally, a steep descent, steepness, equivalent to prōclīv ( is ) sloping forward, steep ( prō- pro- ¹ + clīv ( us ) slope + -is adj. suffix) + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of proclivity¹

C16: from Latin prōclīvitās, from prōclīvis steep, from pro- ¹+ clīvus a slope

Example Sentences

It added that allegations the company had knowingly employed "individuals with proclivities or histories towards illegal... conduct" were "similarly without basis".

From BBC

I’ve also become the person I imagined when I was 4, Raspberry Glace in hand: someone whose relationship with lip wear is a product of lifestyle, a mature proclivity rather than an amateur desire.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether Americans, Russians and other humans can rise to the challenge of reversing these policies and eliminating the danger of near-term extinction caused by their own inventions and proclivities remains to be seen.

From Salon

It can be made in so many different ways, accommodating so many disparate flavor proclivities and food allergies, and is welcome at endless events.

From Salon

Another specious reason for disrupting the grizzlies is their proclivity for distributing native plant seeds.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• penchant
• predilection
• predisposition
• propensity