Vocabulary in context
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Predilection
A preference or special liking for something; a natural inclination.
nounCheck this word before you leave
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Imagine This
Imagine a booklover with a predilection for mystery novels—every time they visit a bookstore, they head straight for the mystery shelves and buy only those, before considering anything else.
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Sounds Like
pri-dih-LEK-shun
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Looks Like
looks like 'preference' or 'partiality'
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Remember This
Predilection comes from Latin prae- 'before' + dilectio 'loving'; it literally means a liking formed beforehand.
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Other Forms
predilectverb
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Connect With
preference, partiality, penchant, inclination, proclivity
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Note
Use predilection to describe a personal, often lasting liking. It usually occurs with a specific object or activity and is followed by 'for' or 'toward'. Not interchangeable with general bias or habit.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She has a predilection for classical music and attends concerts weekly.
- The chef's predilection for bold spices is evident in his signature dishes.
Synonyms
preferencelikingpartialitypenchantinclinationproclivity
Antonyms
aversiondistastedisinclination
Etymology
From Latin prae- 'before' + dilectio 'loving'; literally, a liking formed beforehand.
Mnemonic
PRE-LOVE-TION: a predilection is a pre-existing love for something; you choose it with a natural leaning.
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Disguise
verbTo alter one’s appearance or behavior to conceal one’s identity or true nature; a disguise is the clothing or act used to achieve this.
Divisive
adjectiveCausing disagreement or hostility; tending to divide people into opposing camps.
Exploit
verb (also noun)To make use of something, especially for gain or advantage; to use someone or something in an unethical or unfair way.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Penchant
nounA strong liking or habitual tendency toward a particular thing; a tendency to do something.
Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
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