proclivity

noun

pro·​cliv·​i·​ty prō-ˈkli-və-tē 

plural proclivities

: an inclination or predisposition toward something

especially : a strong inherent inclination toward something objectionable

Did you know?

Have you always had this leaning toward wanting to know about words and their etymologies? Maybe you even have a propensity to use the featured word several times in the course of the day—due, of course, not to a proclivity for pretentiousness, but because you simply have a penchant for using a rich vocabulary. And perhaps you have a predilection for using lots of synonyms, such as proclivity (from clivus, the Latin word for "slope"), referring to a tendency usually toward something bad; propensity, suggesting an often uncontrollable inclination; penchant, meaning an irresistible attraction; and predilection, which describes a strong liking derived from one's temperament.

Synonyms of proclivity

• tendency
• inclination
• aptitude
• devices
• affinity

Choose the Right Synonym for proclivity

leaning, propensity, proclivity, penchant mean a strong instinct or liking for something.

leaning suggests a liking or attraction not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable.

a student with artistic leanings

propensity implies a deeply ingrained and usually irresistible inclination.

a propensity to offer advice

proclivity suggests a strong natural proneness usually to something objectionable or evil.

a proclivity for violence

penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object.

a penchant for taking risks

Examples of proclivity in a Sentence

showed artistic proclivities at an early age

Recent Examples on the Web

Both of their kids got their father’s proclivity for creativity and the arts. —Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2026

Vogue’s senior fashion writer Cortne Bonilla never holds back—especially when asked about her perfume proclivities. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

Margo’s proclivity to follow her heart leads her to make two additional decisions that finish setting up the premise of the show. —Erin Qualey, Vulture, 15 Apr. 2026

The proclivity for research among Gen Zers also extends beyond their computers. —Jeena Sharma, Fortune, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin proclivitas, from proclivis sloping, prone, from pro- forward + clivus slope — more at pro-, declivity

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for proclivity

• acclivity
• activity
• captivity
• declivity
• festivity
• nativity
• passivity
• absorptivity
• affectivity
• collectivity
• conductivity
• connectivity

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Kids Definition

proclivity

noun

pro·​cliv·​i·​ty prō-ˈkliv-ət-ē 

plural proclivities

: a natural tendency of the mind or personality

showed artistic proclivities at an early age

especially : such a tendency toward something bad

a proclivity for violence