July 29, 2011
- propensity (noun)
- \pruh-PEN-suh-tee\
- What does it mean?
- : a natural talent or liking : bent
- How do you use it?
- Mike's propensity for sleeping late on weekends makes it hard for him to get up early for school during the week.
- Are you a word wiz?
Do you have a propensity for picking out synonyms? See if you can find a synonym of "propensity" from the list below.
Did your penchant for language draw you to D? "Propensity," "penchant," "proclivity," and "leaning" all refer to a strong instinct or liking for something. "Propensity" implies a deeply ingrained interest or irresistible tendency, as in "a propensity for learning new words." "Penchant" implies an irresistible attraction to something, as in "a penchant for extreme sports." "Proclivity" suggests a natural tendency often toward something bad, as in "a proclivity for telling lies." "Leaning" suggests a liking or attraction that is not strong enough to be decisive or uncontrollable, as in "a student with artistic leanings.
