Predilection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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predilection

[หŒpriห.dษชหˆlek.สƒษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

personal preference

A predilection is a strong liking or preference for something. It often implies a natural tendency or inclination towards a particular thing.

Synonyms

fondness, inclination, liking, preference.

Examples of usage

  • He has a predilection for spicy food.
  • She has a predilection for classic literature.
  • His predilection for adventure led him to travel the world.
  • The artist's predilection for bright colors is evident in his work.
  • I noticed her predilection for organizing everything meticulously.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often develop predilections based on their early experiences and environment, influencing choices in life.
  • Cognitive biases can create predilections that affect decision-making, sometimes without us realizing it.
  • Studying preferences can help psychologists understand human behavior and emotional responses.

Pop Culture

  • Many film and book characters showcase predilection, whether for specific hobbies or types of people, adding depth to their personalities.
  • In music, an artist's predilection for a certain genre can define their style and attract a specific audience.
  • Online platforms often use algorithms that cater to users' predilections, shaping the content they see daily.

Literature

  • Great authors often create characters with clear predilections, showcasing their inner conflicts and desires.
  • A story's theme can sometimes revolve around a stark contrast between different characters' predilections.
  • The concept of predilection can drive conflict in narratives, highlighting the struggle between desires and duties.

Sociology

  • Cultural background significantly influences individuals' predilections, affecting things like food, fashion, and social norms.
  • Predilections play a role in forming group identities, as people tend to congregate with others who share similar preferences.
  • Societies evolve based on collective predilections, which can shift over time, influencing trends and movements.

Origin of 'predilection'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'praedilectio', which means 'to prefer beforehand'.
  • It was first used in English around the late 17th century, capturing the essence of early choices.
  • In legal contexts, it has historically been used to describe biases in favor of certain parties or viewpoints.

The word 'predilection' originated from the Latin word 'prae-' meaning 'before' and 'deligere' meaning 'to choose'. It entered the English language in the mid-18th century. The concept of having a predilection for something has been observed across various cultures and time periods, reflecting the human tendency to favor certain things over others.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,017, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.