Proclivity: meaning, definitions and examples

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proclivity

[prəˈklɪvɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

tendency

A natural inclination or predisposition towards a particular thing, often implying a liking or preference.

Synonyms

inclination, liking, predilection, propensity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proclivity	Often used in formal or academic settings to describe a natural tendency or habitual inclination, especially towards something bad or negative. He has a proclivity for missing deadlines. Her proclivity for gossiping caused tension in the office.
inclination	A general term used to describe a person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a certain way. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts. She has an inclination towards the arts. His inclination to help others is well known.
propensity	Typically used in formal contexts to talk about a natural tendency or inclination, which can often be negative or lead to problematic behavior. She has a propensity for late-night snacking. His propensity to procrastinate affects his work.
predilection	A more sophisticated word used mainly in formal writing or speech to describe a strong liking or preference for something. It usually implies a deeper or long-standing affection. Her predilection for vintage clothing is well documented. His predilection for spicy food is evident in his cooking.
liking	A simple and common word often used in everyday conversation to describe a person's enjoyment or preference for something. I have a liking for chocolate ice cream. He developed a liking for classical music.

Examples of usage

He has a proclivity for spicy food.
She has a proclivity for adventure.
His proclivity for procrastination often gets him into trouble.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

psychology

Inclination or bias in the way people think or behave, often used in psychological studies.

Synonyms

disposition, inclination, tendency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
proclivity	Proclivity is often used to describe a natural, often negative tendency or strong leaning towards something, especially something undesirable. She has a proclivity for exaggeration His proclivity for risky behavior worried his parents
tendency	Tendency is often used to describe a repeated pattern of behavior or a common trend, without necessarily a strong or natural inclination. It can be neutral or slightly negative. She has a tendency to forget her keys There is a tendency for people to procrastinate when faced with difficult tasks
disposition	Disposition refers to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character, often describing a general attitude or mood. She has a cheerful disposition that brightens up the office His disposition towards learning new things is commendable
inclination	Inclination is generally used to describe a person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way; it can be weaker than proclivity and lacks the negative connotation. He has an inclination to help others whenever he can Her inclination towards the arts was evident from a young age

Examples of usage

The study focused on the proclivity of individuals towards risk-taking behavior.
Her proclivity towards perfectionism can be traced back to childhood experiences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'proclivitas', meaning 'inclination' or 'slant'.
It combines 'pro-' (forward) and 'clivus' (slope), reflecting a movement in a preferred direction.

Psychology

People often exhibit proclivity towards certain behaviors due to their upbringing and environment.
Understanding someone's proclivity can help in predicting their future choices or career paths.

Literature

Writers often use characters' proclivities to develop their personalities and drive the plot.
Proclivity is frequently explored in literature, showcasing how characters lean towards their desires or motivations.

Sociology

Cultural backgrounds can heavily influence an individual's proclivity towards certain hobbies or professions.
Proclivities can shape societal roles and expectations, impacting community dynamics.

Pop Culture

In film and television, characters often have proclivities that define their arcs, from villainous habits to heroic traits.
Many reality TV shows highlight contestants’ proclivities, showcasing their unique skills or preferences.

Translations

Translations of the word "proclivity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tendência

🇮🇳 प्रवृत्ति

🇩🇪 Neigung

🇮🇩 kecenderungan

🇺🇦 схильність

🇵🇱 skłonność

🇯🇵 傾向

🇫🇷 propension

🇪🇸 tendencia

🇹🇷 eğilim

🇰🇷 성향

🇸🇦 مَيْل

🇨🇿 sklon

🇸🇰 sklon

🇨🇳 倾向

🇸🇮 nagnjenost

🇮🇸 hneigð

🇰🇿 бейімділік

🇬🇪 განწყობა

🇦🇿 meyillilik

🇲🇽 tendencia

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,096, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27093 puddling
27094 bawling
27095 loafers
27096 proclivity
27097 juggle
27098 martini
27099 surfeit
...