Proclivity, preference, penchant, and predilection all share with propensity the principal meaning of "a strong instinct or liking." Propensity comes from Latin prōpensus, a form of prōpendēre, a verb …

PROPENSITY definition: 1. the fact that someone is likely to behave in a particular way, especially a bad way: 2. the…. Learn more.

Definition of propensity noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

PROPENSITY definition: a natural inclination or tendency. See examples of propensity used in a sentence.

A propensity to do something or a propensity for something is a natural tendency that you have to behave in a particular way.

A propensity is a natural tendency to behave in a certain way. We all have propensities — things we tend to do. Dogs have a propensity to bark, and many people have a propensity for getting annoyed …

Sep 21, 2025 · Propensity refers to a natural inclination or tendency to behave in a certain way. The term is often used to describe a predisposition toward a specific type of behavior, emotion, or action.

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun propensity, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 11, 2025 · propensity (countable and uncountable, plural propensities) An inclination, disposition, tendency, preference, or attraction. quotations

Imagine a river’s natural tendency to flow downstream, drawn by gravity to carve its path through landscapes—this force, much like our own inclinations, embodies “propensity.” The word captures …