What does propensity mean Meaning and Definition
What does propensity mean
Pronunciation
/ˈprɒpənˌsɪti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A natural inclination or tendency, especially to engage in a particular activity or pursue a certain goal.
Examples
- Her propensity for taking risks often made her an attractive investment opportunity.
- He has a propensity for procrastination and often leaves tasks until the last minute.
Synonyms
- Tendency
- Inclination
- Bias
Antonyms
- Averse
- Indifferent
- Apathetic
Etymology
The word “propensity” comes from the Latin “propensitas”, meaning “tendency” or “inclination”. It has been used in English since the 15th century.
Usage Notes
When describing a person’s propensity, it is often used to highlight a positive or negative trait, such as a propensity for sports or a propensity for procrastination.
Cultural References
The word “propensity” has been used in various contexts in popular culture, including literature, music, and film.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
A propensity for… is a common idiom used to describe a tendency or inclination towards something.
Related Words or Phrases
- Predisposition
- Bias
- Inclination
- Tendency
Collocations
- to have a propensity for
- a propensity to
- a propensity towards
Frequency of Use
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word “propensity” is moderately common, with a frequency of use similar to words like “perspective” and “spectrum”.
Common Misspellings
- propinsity
- propense