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

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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

• affection
• affinity
• aptitude
• bent
• bias
• bone
• devices
• disposition
• genius
• habitude
• impulse
• inclination
• leaning
• partiality
• penchant
• predilection
• predisposition
• propensity
• tendency
• turn

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

In a possible hint at a new proclivity, the Princess of Wales was without her iconic sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which previously belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. —Janine Henni, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024

The results said much about the foundational beliefs that serve as antecedents to their voting proclivities. —Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024

Throughout the last few months, Vice President Kamala Harris has demonstrated her proclivity for the trend, elevating power suiting moments by wearing designer looks like Chloé during the Democratic National Convention last August. —Julia Teti, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024

Store workers will have approximately four times the area to assemble orders for curbside pickup and home delivery, reflecting the company’s commitment to evolving with consumers’ increasing proclivities to shop via e-commerce. —Chris Walton, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

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

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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