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

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

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

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.

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 …

Why do some people have a propensity for/toward violence? [=why are some people violent?; why do some people have a tendency to be violent?] He had a propensity for crime.

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

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

propensity (prəˈpɛnsɪtɪ) n, pl -ties 1. a natural tendency or disposition 2. obsolete partiality