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
Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Tanev is every bit the warrior he’s often described as, missing only one game this season despite his propensity to eat pucks.
—Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
This propensity leads to a lack of appreciation of the interconnectedness of things.
—Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025
In the debate over return-to-office policies, women show a slightly higher propensity (49%) to seek new employment compared to men (43%).
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 17 Jan. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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propensity
noun
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