Propensity
A natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way; a predisposition.
nounPropensity
A natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way; a predisposition.
nounImagine This
Imagine a student who, from childhood, has a natural propensity to take charge; in every group project they instinctively volunteer to lead, organize, and guide others.
Sounds Like
pruh-PEN-si-tee
Looks Like
Looks like pro-pense-ty; resembles words like 'pensive' or 'propense' that hint at leaning or inclination.
Remember This
Propensity refers to a natural leaning, not a habit or addiction; it is often neutral and can be positive (a propensity for learning) or negative (a propensity to gamble).
Other Forms
Connect With
tendency, inclination, predisposition, proclivity, leaning
Note
Use with 'to' + verb (propensity to + verb) or with 'for' + noun (propensity for + noun). Distinguish from 'predilection' (a preference) and 'tendency' (general leaning).
Study Deeper
- She has a propensity to procrastinate when deadlines loom.
- The company's propensity to cut costs can compromise quality.
From Latin propensity-, from propensus 'inclined', from pro- 'forward' + pendere 'to hang, weigh' (idea of being weighed toward a course of action).
Mnemonic: PRO PENS ITY. Picture a forward-leaning scale with a pen balancing on it, tipping toward a chosen habit—your natural tendency.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
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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
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Acrimony
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Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).