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

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

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

And though it may not be traumatizing, like the New York Times’ needle, or misleading, like election-betting markets, the chartthrobs’ increasing prominence in election coverage nonetheless reflects similar propensities.

From Los Angeles Times

Without naming names, the sheriff said that a detainee who had died after swallowing objects, including a pencil, had a “propensity to eat things.”

From Los Angeles Times

This is a man who, even aside from the worm in his brain and his propensity for collecting roadkill, is one of the biggest conspiracy theorists in the country.

From Salon

Related Words

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