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>.