predisposition
She has a genetic predisposition to diabetes.
She is inherently more likely to develop diabetes due to her genes.
A liability or tendency to suffer from a particular condition or act in a certain way, often due to genetic or environmental factors.
Researchers found that children with a predisposition to anxiety often develop phobias in stressful environments.
Children genetically inclined toward anxiety are more likely to develop phobias when exposed to stress.
Often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe inherited or innate tendencies.
A preference or inclination toward a particular attitude, action, or outcome, even if not genetically determined.
His predisposition toward risk-taking made him a successful entrepreneur.
His natural tendency to take risks contributed to his entrepreneurial success.
Can describe learned or habitual inclinations, not just genetic traits.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoid overgeneralization
Do not use 'predisposition' for temporary or situational preferences. Reserve it for innate tendencies or well-established patterns.
Gold Rule
Precision in context
Use 'predisposition' in formal or technical writing, especially in psychology, medicine, or genetics. For casual speech, prefer 'inclination' or 'tendency'.
Word Origin
Mid 17th century: from French prédisposition, from medieval Latin praedispositio(n-), from prae- 'before' + dispositio 'arrangement' (from disponere 'arrange').
Usage Notes
Commonly used in medical and psychological contexts to describe innate or learned tendencies. Avoid using it casually for temporary preferences (e.g., not for 'I have a predisposition to eat chocolate' unless referring to a long-term pattern).