Predisposition: meaning, definitions and examples
🧬
predisposition
[ ˌpriː.dɪ.spəˈzɪʃ.ən ]
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?
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
Examples of usage
- She has a predisposition to anxiety in stressful situations.
- Genetics may play a role in determining predispositions to certain diseases.
medicine
A hereditary inclination to a particular disease or condition.
Synonyms
susceptibility, tendency, vulnerability.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
predisposition |
Usually used in medical or genetic contexts to describe an increased likelihood of developing a disease or condition.
|
susceptibility |
Typically used in contexts where there is a high chance of being affected or harmed by something, often in health or environmental contexts.
|
vulnerability |
Used to describe a state of being exposed to possible harm or attack, often creating a sense of risk or weakness.
|
tendency |
Used in a more general context to describe a habitual behavior or pattern that occurs frequently.
|
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.
- ...
- 16132 abominable
- 16133 broadcasters
- 16134 robbing
- 16135 predisposition
- 16136 timeless
- 16137 trot
- 16138 stewardship
- ...