English vocabulary · C1
Propensity
/prəˈpɛnsəti/ · n.
It means having a natural leaning forward to do something, or to have a special quality.
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Example sentences
- Her propensity for taking complex photos started early.
- He has a propensity for winning arguments.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- pro — forward (from Latin)
- pend — hang (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- leaning (having a soft preference or inclination)
- tendency (regularly behaving in a certain way)
- habit (a pattern of behavior is well established)
Words with the same root
pendere — to hang
- depend — to hang on someone or something for support
- suspend — to hang from above — to pause or hold in place
- pendant — something that hangs — a decorative hanging object
Lesson notes
Propensity. It means having a natural leaning forward to do something, or to have a special quality.
Similar words are leaning, tendency, and habit. Use propensity when describing natural behavior.
Her propensity for taking complex photos started early. He has a propensity for winning arguments.
Pro means forward. Pendere means to hang. Propensity is a natural leaning forward.