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
Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025
The downside is that there is a potential conflict of interest since there can be a subconscious propensity to want the AI to be a success.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
His writing reveals a dramatic flair and propensity for humor that feels distinctly Irish.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025
Many a commenter has noted Cage’s propensity for roles that can be described only as crazy, but the actor’s career is too expansive, and often more nuanced, to be reduced to his unhinged characters.
—Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 2 May 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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propensity
noun
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