Propensity

A natural inclination or tendency to behave in a particular way; a predisposition.

noun

💡

Imagine 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

propensitiesnoun

propenseadjective

🔗

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

Examples

She has a propensity to procrastinate when deadlines loom.
The company's propensity to cut costs can compromise quality.

Synonyms

tendencyinclinationpredispositionproclivityleaning

Antonyms

aversiondisinclinationreluctance

Etymology

From Latin propensity-, from propensus 'inclined', from pro- 'forward' + pendere 'to hang, weigh' (idea of being weighed toward a course of action).

Mnemonic

Mnemonic: PRO PENS ITY. Picture a forward-leaning scale with a pen balancing on it, tipping toward a chosen habit—your natural tendency.

How well do you know this word now?

Your choice schedules the next review.

Next Word

Continue in alphabetical order.

Prosaic

Try a Random Word

Pick any word below to jump in.

Palliative

adjective

Relieving or soothing symptoms without curing the underlying disease; intended to reduce pain, distress, or discomfort.

Extol

verb

To praise highly; to laud with enthusiasm.

Capacious

adjective

Able to hold a large amount; spacious.

Similar Words

Related words and words with the same part of speech.

Abasement

noun

The act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.

Absurdity

noun

The quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.

Accent

noun

A distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).

Accolade

noun

An honor; a public expression of praise or an award.

Acrimony

noun

Bitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling

Acronym

noun

A 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).

Study beyond this word

Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan

Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.

Compare all resources

Vocabulary in context

SAT Vocabulary Workbook

The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.

Check the workbook

The Official Digital SAT Study Guide book cover

First-time test takers

Official SAT Guide

Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.

Check the official guide

Paid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.