noun
Uncommon
propensity
pruh-PEHN-sih-tee
Propensity (noun) means a natural tendency or inclination to behave or think in a particular way. Example: “He has a propensity for exaggeration when telling stories.”
noun
1
A natural tendency or inclination to behave or think in a particular way.
"He has a propensity for exaggeration when telling stories."
"The dog showed a propensity for chewing shoes as a puppy."
How to use propensity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA built-in tendency to do or lean toward something, often used for habits or personality traits.
When to use it
Fairly formal — "tendency" or "knack" work better in everyday speech.
Common pairings
a propensity for violence
a propensity to lie
natural propensity
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Word forms
- Plural
- propensities
Fill the gap
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He has a _____ for exaggeration when telling stories.
Etymology
A learned borrowing from New Latin propensitas, built from propense ("inclined, disposed") plus -ity.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for propensity
See all rhymes for propensity →Frequently asked questions
What does “propensity” mean?
The word “propensity” means a natural tendency or inclination to behave or think in a particular way. In plain terms, a built-in tendency to do or lean toward something, often used for habits or personality traits.
How do you pronounce “propensity”?
“Propensity” is pronounced pruh-PEHN-sih-tee (/pɹəˈpɛnsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “propensity” in a sentence?
Here is “propensity” used in a sentence: “He has a propensity for exaggeration when telling stories.”
What part of speech is “propensity”?
“Propensity” is a noun.
Where does the word “propensity” come from?
The word “propensity” comes from New Latin. A learned borrowing from New Latin propensitas, built from propense ("inclined, disposed") plus -ity.
Is “propensity” a common word?
“Propensity” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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