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noun

penchant

PON-shon
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Penchant (noun) means a strong liking or natural tendency toward something. Example: “He has a penchant for expensive watches.”

noun
1
A strong liking or natural tendency toward something.
"He has a penchant for expensive watches."
"She's always had a penchant for dramatic entrances."

How to use penchant

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong fondness or leaning toward doing or having something.

Common pairings
a penchant for have a penchant
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Word forms

Plural
penchants
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He has a _____ for expensive watches.

Etymology

From French penchant, literally "leaning" or "tilting," from pencher ("to lean").

Origin: French

Related words

Rhymes for penchant

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Frequently asked questions

What does “penchant” mean?
The word “penchant” means a strong liking or natural tendency toward something. In plain terms, a strong fondness or leaning toward doing or having something.
How do you pronounce “penchant”?
“Penchant” is pronounced PON-shon (/ˈpɛnt͡ʃənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “penchant” in a sentence?
Here is “penchant” used in a sentence: “He has a penchant for expensive watches.”
What is another word for “penchant”?
Words with a similar meaning to “penchant” include desire.
What part of speech is “penchant”?
“Penchant” is a noun.
Where does the word “penchant” come from?
The word “penchant” comes from French. From French penchant, literally "leaning" or "tilting," from pencher ("to lean").

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