propensity
noun
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You'll Like the Etymology of Propensity
If you’re partial to picking synonyms of propensity, perhaps peruse the letter "p," which predominates for such words, in our pages. Proclivity, preference, penchant, and predilection all share with propensity the principal meaning of "a strong instinct or liking." Propensity comes from Latin prōpensus, a form of prōpendēre, a verb meaning "to incline" or "to hang down" (as pendulous things do). With that in mind, it’s perfectly plausible that leaning and inclination are as good synonyms of propensity as any of those "p"-words.
Examples of propensity in a Sentence
Claudia Wallis, Time, 10 May 2004
On the other hand, a jury might be convinced that a meth dealer who had brazenly fired a pistol through his door had a propensity for violence.
—John Cloud, Time, 14 July 2003
A central tenet of this camp's proponents is that a considerable number of biological dispositions evolved during the Stone Age, including a male propensity for making war.
—Bruce Bower, Science News, 27 Jan. 2001
He had a propensity for crime.
the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations
ArsTechnica, 8 May 2025
Given Trump’s propensity for pushing the boundaries of constitutional norms, his response was probably cover intended to allow his administration to ignore the ruling of the court.
—Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2025
The reason McMillan is listed here is because of the Falcons' propensity for selecting offensive playmakers early.
—Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
With his uncle Mark recording, Chaney says the cast members shared memories throughout the eight-hour shoot, including rats’ propensity to steal food from The Wire’s craft services table.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for propensity
Cite this Entry
“Propensity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propensity. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
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propensity
noun
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