Predispose: meaning, definitions and examples

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predispose

 

[ ˌpriːdɪsˈpoʊz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

influence tendency

To predispose means to make someone or something inclined towards a certain condition or outcome. It often implies a tendency that is influenced by external factors such as genetics, environment, or experiences. For example, one might be predisposed to a certain illness due to familial genetics or predisposed to a particular skill through early exposure. The concept often relates to psychological or biological factors that lay the groundwork for future behavior or health.

Synonyms

dispose, incline, prone, tend

Examples of usage

  • Her family history predisposes her to diabetes.
  • Early exposure to music can predispose children to enjoy it later.
  • Certain genes may predispose individuals to anxiety.

Translations

Translations of the word "predispose" in other languages:

🇵🇹 predispor

🇮🇳 पूर्वगामी करना

🇩🇪 vorbereiten

🇮🇩 mempersiapkan

🇺🇦 схиляти

🇵🇱 predysponować

🇯🇵 前もって準備する

🇫🇷 prédisposer

🇪🇸 predisponer

🇹🇷 önceden hazırlamak

🇰🇷 예비하다

🇸🇦 يهيئ

🇨🇿 předurčit

🇸🇰 predisponovať

🇨🇳 使倾向于

🇸🇮 predizpostaviti

🇮🇸 fyrirbyggja

🇰🇿 алдын ала дайындау

🇬🇪 წინასწარ მომზადება

🇦🇿 öncədən hazırlamaq

🇲🇽 predisponer

Etymology

The word 'predispose' originates from the Latin word 'praedisponere,' which means 'to arrange or prepare beforehand.' The prefix 'pre-' denotes 'before,' and 'disponere' means 'to arrange.' The term began to appear in the English language around the early 17th century, primarily in medical and psychological contexts. Over time, it broadened to encompass various fields such as sociology, where it describes predisposition to certain behaviors or social outcomes. The word reflects the interplay between various factors that can influence an individual's path, leading to its current usage in both scientific and everyday discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,890, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.