Propensities Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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propensities

[prษ™หˆpษ›nsษ™tiz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

psychological tendencies

Propensities refer to natural inclinations or tendencies towards a particular behavior or action. They are often deeply rooted in an individual's personality and can influence decision-making and actions.

Synonyms

dispositions, inclinations, tendencies.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
propensities

Used to describe strong, often natural, tendencies towards certain behaviors or actions. Typically used in formal contexts.

  • He has propensities for taking risks.
  • Her propensities towards artistic expression are evident in her work.
inclinations

Describes a person's natural tendency or desire to act a certain way. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • He has an inclination to help others during difficult times.
  • Her inclination for adventure often leads her to explore new places.
tendencies

Used to discuss predictable patterns or habits, often in relation to behavior or actions. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • She has a tendency to procrastinate when faced with a deadline.
  • His tendency towards perfectionism makes him a very thorough worker.
dispositions

Refers to general attitudes, moods, or usual states of mind. Often used in psychology or discussions about personality.

  • She has a cheerful disposition, always looking on the bright side of things.
  • His disposition towards work is very disciplined and focused.

Examples of usage

  • His propensity for risk-taking led him to pursue extreme sports.
  • She has a propensity for procrastination when faced with challenging tasks.
Context #2 | Noun

statistical analysis

In statistical analysis, propensities are probabilities or likelihoods of events or outcomes occurring. They are used to predict future occurrences based on past data.

Synonyms

chances, likelihoods, probabilities.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
propensities

This word is used to describe natural tendencies or inclinations that someone or something might have. It often applies to behavior or habits.

  • He has a propensity for taking risks
  • There is a propensity in young children to copy adult behavior
probabilities

This word is mostly used in mathematical or scientific contexts to quantify the chance that an event will occur. It can also be used in everyday contexts but with a more precise tone.

  • The probability of rolling a six on a dice is one in six
  • Statistical probabilities were calculated for various outcomes
likelihoods

This term is used to indicate the probability or risk of something happening, and is often used in more formal or technical contexts.

  • The likelihood of the project being completed on time is very high
  • There are small likelihoods of errors in the final report
chances

This word is used when talking about the possibility or opportunity of something happening, often in an everyday context.

  • What are the chances of it raining today? She took a chance and applied for the job

Examples of usage

  • The propensity of customers to purchase a product can be analyzed through data mining.
  • The propensity score helps in matching treatment and control groups in research studies.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Peopleโ€™s propensities can significantly influence their choices, behaviors, and lifestyles, showcasing how our inclinations shape our daily lives.
  • In behavioral psychology, understanding a person's propensities can help predict future actions and reactions in different situations.

Education

  • Educators may assess studentsโ€™ propensities to tailor learning experiences that align with individual interests and strengths.
  • Recognizing diverse propensities in a classroom can foster a more inclusive environment, allowing each student to thrive.

Cultural Studies

  • Different cultures may cultivate distinct propensities based on societal values, such as communal living or individualistic pursuits.
  • The concept of propensities is important in sociology, as it explains variations in behavior across different social groups.

Business

  • Companies often analyze customer propensities to make informed decisions about marketing strategies and product development.
  • Data analytics tools can predict consumer propensities, helping businesses personalize experiences and boost customer satisfaction.

Origin of 'propensities'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'propensity' comes from the Latin 'propensitas', meaning 'to lean towards' or 'to be inclined'.
  • It started appearing in English in the early 17th century, reflecting a trend of borrowing terms from Latin and Greek during that period.

The word 'propensities' originated from the Latin word 'propensitas', which means 'inclination' or 'tendency'. It has been used in English since the 17th century to describe natural tendencies or probabilities.


See also: propensity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,211, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.