Disposed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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disposed

[dɪˈspəʊzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling or attitude

inclined or willing to do something; having a tendency or inclination

Synonyms

inclined, likely, prone, willing.

Examples of usage

  • She is disposed to help others whenever she can.
  • He is disposed to believe the best in people.
Context #2 | Verb

arrange or settle

arrange or set in a particular order or position; settle or decide in a particular way

Synonyms

arrange, decide, organize, settle.

Examples of usage

  • He disposed the books on the shelf alphabetically.
  • The matter was disposed of quickly by the committee.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, being 'disposed' to a certain action can indicate an individual's motivation or inclination.
  • Different factors such as environment or past experiences can shape a person's disposition.
  • Positive dispositions often lead to greater life satisfaction and are linked to an optimistic outlook.

Law

  • In legal terms, 'disposed' can refer to how a case or evidence is handled or resolved.
  • An estate can be disposed of through a will, showing how assets are distributed after someone's passing.
  • The phrase 'disposed of' is often used in court to mean that a legal matter has been concluded.

Literature

  • In literature, characters' dispositions can influence their actions and decisions significantly.
  • Authors often describe characters as 'disposed to kindness' or 'disposed to cruelty' to convey personality traits.
  • Jane Austen's works frequently showcase varied dispositions, influencing relationships and plot development.

Everyday Usage

  • 'Disposed' is often used in everyday conversations, like saying someone is 'disposed to agree' or 'disposed to help'.
  • People might say they are 'disposed' to cleaning on weekends, showing their willingness to engage in that activity.
  • In terms of physical objects, you may hear about how someone 'disposed of' their old clothes by donating them.

Origin of 'disposed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'disponere', which means 'to place apart'.
  • It came into Middle English from Old French, where it had a similar meaning.
  • The prefix 'dis-' means 'apart' or 'away from', while 'posed' comes from 'to place'.

The word 'disposed' originates from the Old French word 'dispos', which means 'arrange, order, control'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to include both the inclination or willingness to do something and the act of arranging or settling matters. The word has been used in various contexts in literature and everyday language, reflecting its versatility and importance in communication.


See also: disposability, disposable, disposableness, disposal, disposer, disposing, dispossession, indisposition, predisposition.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,075, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.