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Disposition: meaning, definitions and examples

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disposition

 

[ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

the way in which something is placed or arranged, especially in relation to other things

Synonyms

arrangement, order, organization, placement.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disposition

Use when talking about someone's usual mood or general attitude, or how things are arranged naturally.

  • She has a cheerful disposition that makes everyone around her feel happy.
  • The disposition of the furniture in the room created a sense of openness.
arrangement

Use when referring to the way things are organized or set up, often in a deliberate or planned way.

  • The flowers were placed in a beautiful arrangement on the table.
  • We need to make some arrangements for our trip next week.
placement

Use when referring to the specific location or position where something is placed.

  • The placement of the new sculpture was perfect, adding to the room's overall aesthetic.
  • Her placement in the company was strategic and well thought out.
organization

Use when discussing the structure or arrangement of something, particularly in a methodical or efficient manner.

  • Good organization helps to increase productivity in the office.
  • The event's organization was so well done, everything went smoothly.
order

Use when talking about a state of being neat or organized, or a command or instruction.

  • The documents were kept in perfect order on the shelf.
  • The manager gave an order to stop the production immediately.

Examples of usage

  • Please ensure that all files are organized and stored in the correct disposition.
  • The disposition of the furniture in the room creates a cozy atmosphere.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

a person's inherent qualities of mind and character

Synonyms

character, nature, personality, temperament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disposition

Use 'disposition' when referring to someone's general mood or attitude towards life. It's often used in formal or medical contexts.

  • She has a cheerful disposition, always smiling and optimistic.
  • His peaceful disposition makes him well-suited for a career in counseling.
temperament

Use 'temperament' to refer to someone's typical mood or emotional state, often in connection with how it affects their reactions and behavior. It is sometimes used in psychological contexts.

  • Her calm temperament helps her handle stress effectively.
  • Dogs with a gentle temperament are often easier to train.
character

Use 'character' when referring to someone's set of moral and mental qualities. It is often used to describe ethical and integrity aspects.

  • He is a man of strong character who always stands up for what is right.
  • Her character is defined by her honesty and kindness.
nature

Use 'nature' when referring to someone's inherent qualities, especially those that they were born with. It can also relate to someone's basic essence.

  • By nature, he is a very curious and adventurous person.
  • Her caring nature makes her an excellent nurse.
personality

Use 'personality' when talking about the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. It's often used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • She has a bright and bubbly personality that lights up the room.
  • His personality is what makes him a great leader—he's both assertive and empathetic.

Examples of usage

  • Her friendly disposition makes her popular with everyone she meets.
  • His disposition towards helping others is truly admirable.
Context #3 | Noun

legal

the power to deal with something as one pleases; freedom from external control

Synonyms

authority, autonomy, control, power.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
disposition

This word is best used to describe someone's general mood or attitude. It refers to the natural qualities of a person's character.

  • She has a cheerful disposition that brightens up any room
control

Use in situations where someone has the ability to direct or manage something or someone. It often implies a direct and active role in managing outcomes.

  • He needed to maintain control of the situation
authority

This word is appropriate when talking about someone's official or socially recognized power to give orders or make decisions. It often comes with a sense of responsibility.

  • The teacher has the authority to discipline the students
power

This word is versatile and can be used both officially and unofficially to describe the ability or capacity to influence others or make things happen. It can have a negative connotation if misused.

  • Her position gives her the power to make significant changes in the company
autonomy

Ideal for situations that involve independence or self-governance. It emphasizes freedom from external control or influence.

  • The region was granted greater autonomy to manage its own affairs

Examples of usage

  • The judge has the final disposition over the case.
  • He has full disposition of his assets.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'dispositio', meaning 'arrangement' or 'ordering'.
  • It evolved through Middle English, where it referred to people's 'arranged' temperaments.
  • Related words in English include 'dispose' and 'position', connecting action and state.

Psychology

  • Dispositions are often linked to personality traits, which can shape how individuals respond to situations.
  • Some psychologists believe that a person's disposition can change with positive experiences or therapy.
  • Temperament, a concept similar to disposition, describes inborn characteristics that influence behavior from early childhood.

Literature

  • In literature, characters' dispositions help shape their actions and decisions in the plot.
  • Authors often use disposition to foreshadow events in stories, hinting how a character might react.
  • Classic works, such as Shakespeare’s plays, frequently explore varied dispositions of characters, impacting their fates.

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, disposition often refers to the inherent qualities that influence behavior.
  • A famous perspective argues that moral character is closely aligned with one's disposition to act in certain ways.
  • Dispositions have been studied philosophically to understand free will and determinism in human behavior.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters with contrasting dispositions create tension and engage audiences.
  • Popular shows often highlight the conflict between a positive disposition and a cynical one to develop character arcs.
  • Reality shows sometimes emphasize contestants’ dispositions, shaping viewer perception and character development.

Translations

Translations of the word "disposition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 disposição

🇮🇳 स्वभाव

🇩🇪 Gemüt

🇮🇩 penyusunan

🇺🇦 розташування

🇵🇱 usposobienie

🇯🇵 配置 (haichi)

🇫🇷 disposition

🇪🇸 disposición

🇹🇷 düzen

🇰🇷 배치 (baechi)

🇸🇦 مزاج

🇨🇿 dispozice

🇸🇰 dispozícia

🇨🇳 布置 (bùzhì)

🇸🇮 razporeditev

🇮🇸 skipulag

🇰🇿 орналасу

🇬🇪 განლაგება

🇦🇿 yerləşdirmə

🇲🇽 disposición

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,931, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.