Predisposition: meaning, definitions and examples

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predisposition

 

[ ˌpriː.dɪ.spəˈzɪʃ.ən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

psychology

A tendency to think, act, or feel in a particular way, especially one that is considered to be innate or inherent.

Synonyms

inclination, propensity, tendency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predisposition

This term is often used in scientific or medical contexts to describe a natural tendency or susceptibility to a particular condition, often genetic.

  • Her family has a predisposition to heart disease.
  • Certain genetic factors can increase a predisposition to diabetes.
inclination

This word is used in everyday language to describe a person's natural tendency or preference towards something, often related to habits or choices.

  • She has an inclination for early morning runs.
  • Despite his inclination to procrastinate, he finished the project on time.
propensity

This term is used to describe a strong natural tendency to behave in a certain way. It can be either positive or negative depending on the context.

  • He has a propensity for taking risks.
  • Her propensity for kindness makes her well-liked by her colleagues.
tendency

This word is often used in a general sense to describe a trend or inclination that can be observed in behavior, events, or conditions, without the strong connotation of inevitability.

  • There is a tendency for people to become more conservative as they age.
  • The economy has shown a tendency to grow in recent years.

Examples of usage

  • She has a predisposition to anxiety in stressful situations.
  • Genetics may play a role in determining predispositions to certain diseases.
Context #2 | Noun

medicine

A hereditary inclination to a particular disease or condition.

Synonyms

susceptibility, tendency, vulnerability.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
predisposition

Usually used in medical or genetic contexts to describe an increased likelihood of developing a disease or condition.

  • Her family has a predisposition to heart disease.
  • There is a genetic predisposition for diabetes in his family.
susceptibility

Typically used in contexts where there is a high chance of being affected or harmed by something, often in health or environmental contexts.

  • His immune system's susceptibility to infections was concerning.
  • Children have a higher susceptibility to colds during the winter season.
vulnerability

Used to describe a state of being exposed to possible harm or attack, often creating a sense of risk or weakness.

  • The team's lack of experience made them vulnerable to unexpected challenges.
  • Her emotional vulnerability was evident in difficult situations.
tendency

Used in a more general context to describe a habitual behavior or pattern that occurs frequently.

  • He has a tendency to forget his keys.
  • There is a tendency for the weather to change rapidly in this region.

Examples of usage

  • Some people have a predisposition to develop allergies.
  • Individuals with a family history of heart disease may have a genetic predisposition.

Translations

Translations of the word "predisposition" in other languages:

🇵🇹 predisposição

🇮🇳 प्रवृत्ति

🇩🇪 Veranlagung

🇮🇩 kecenderungan

🇺🇦 схильність

🇵🇱 predyspozycja

🇯🇵 素因 (そいん)

🇫🇷 prédisposition

🇪🇸 predisposición

🇹🇷 eğilim

🇰🇷 성향

🇸🇦 استعداد

🇨🇿 předpoklad

🇸🇰 predispozícia

🇨🇳 倾向 (qīngxiàng)

🇸🇮 nagnjenost

🇮🇸 tilhneiging

🇰🇿 бейімділік

🇬🇪 წინასწარ განწყობა

🇦🇿 meyillilik

🇲🇽 predisposición

Etymology

The word 'predisposition' originated in the mid-18th century, combining 'pre-' (before) and 'disposition' (tendency). It is commonly used in psychology and medicine to describe inherent tendencies or susceptibilities. The concept of predispositions has been studied extensively in various fields, including genetics, psychology, and medicine, to understand how certain traits or conditions may be passed down through generations or influenced by environmental factors.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,135, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.