Main Entry:

dis·po·si·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˌdis-pə-ˈzi-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin disposition-, dispositio, from disponere

Date:

14th century

1: the act or the power of disposing or the state of being disposed: as a: administration, control b: final arrangement : settlement <the disposition of the case> c (1): transfer to the care or possession of another (2): the power of such transferal d: orderly arrangement 2 a: prevailing tendency, mood, or inclination b: temperamental makeup c: the tendency of something to act in a certain manner under given circumstances

— dis·po·si·tion·al \-ˈzish-nəl, -ˈzi-shə-n^əl\ adjective

synonyms disposition, temperament, temper, character, personality mean the dominant quality or qualities distinguishing a person or group. disposition implies customary moods and attitude toward the life around one <a cheerful disposition>. temperament implies a pattern of innate characteristics associated with one's specific physical and nervous organization <an artistic temperament>. temper implies the qualities acquired through experience that determine how a person or group meets difficulties or handles situations <a resilient temper>. character applies to the aggregate of moral qualities by which a person is judged apart from intelligence, competence, or special talents <strength of character>. personality applies to an aggregate of qualities that distinguish one as a person <a somber personality>.