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
Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2025
Alec, too, has received plenty of unwelcome media coverage for his propensity to get into public scuffles.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
This propensity to break not merely with conservatives but with Trump has now drawn enmity upon her head.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Robertson’s propensity to break games wide open with his shot was front and centre against the Blue Jackets.
—Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 6 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 4 May. 2025.
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propensity
noun
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