a disposition for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disposition for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a natural tendency or inclination towards something, often in a psychological or behavioral context. Example: "She has a disposition for kindness, always helping those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Brecht had a disposition for anonymity & ordinariness; he was an anarchist of a special sort.

The New Yorker

Education might seem likely to soothe a disposition for violence, but it doesn't.

The New York Times

The Nguyen brothers have retained a Vietnamese inflection to their English as well as a disposition for finding humour in even the most difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

"He is not democratic," Mr. Uslar Pietri warned late last year, suggesting that Mr. Chávez had a disposition for "caudillismo," the system of rule in which a strongman or military dictator rules a country with little concern for democratic institutions.

The New York Times - Arts

This brings us, then, to the sort of trait we are more interested in: a disposition for psychological altruism, as defined above.

SEP

This distinction between making and acting is important for the distinction between craft (technê) and virtue (aretê) because virtue is a disposition for acting.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The normal reference values provided here for Irish Wolfhound dogs, a breed with a genetic disposition for cardiac disease, could be useful in guiding the interpretation of STE measurements in clinical practice.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Third, intravenous PK data are highly valuable in updating a disposition model for subsequent application in an oral model.

CPT: Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology

Besides a familial transfer of a genetic disposition for headache, pain-associated learning mechanisms have repeatedly been discussed [68].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Hey... Isn't it said that "Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger?" No need to be a hero this time of year and put on a smiling face and a happy disposition for anyone.

Huffington Post

Stecher in 1941 noted a hereditary disposition for hand OA expression, with a twofold excess of disease in mothers and a threefold excess in sisters of patients with Heberden's nodes compared with unrelated controls [ 8].

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a disposition for", ensure the context clearly indicates a natural tendency or inclination. This phrase is suitable for describing personality traits, skills, or vulnerabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "a disposition for" when describing deliberate actions or choices. This phrase is more appropriate for inherent qualities or tendencies rather than conscious decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disposition for" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes a natural tendency, inclination, or predisposition towards something. Examples in Ludwig showcase it describing tendencies towards violence, humor, or even expertise.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a disposition for" is a noun phrase used to describe a natural tendency, inclination, or predisposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While alternatives like "a propensity for" or "an inclination toward" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance. Remember to use it to describe inherent qualities rather than deliberate choices. Be wary about using it casually in conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a propensity for

Replaces "disposition" with "propensity", emphasizing an inclination or natural tendency.

an inclination toward

Uses "inclination" instead of "disposition", highlighting a leaning or preference.

a tendency to

Substitutes "disposition" with "tendency", focusing on a predictable pattern of behavior.

an aptitude for

Replaces "disposition" with "aptitude", stressing a natural ability or talent.

a proclivity for

Uses "proclivity" instead of "disposition", indicating a strong inclination or liking.

a predilection for

Substitutes "disposition" with "predilection", emphasizing a preference or special liking.

a bent for

Replaces "disposition" with "bent", highlighting a natural talent or inclination.

a penchant for

Uses "penchant" instead of "disposition", indicating a strong liking or fondness.

a readiness to

Substitutes "disposition" with "readiness", focusing on a willingness or eagerness.

a susceptibility to

Replaces "disposition" with "susceptibility", highlighting a vulnerability or tendency to be affected by something.

FAQs

How can I use "a disposition for" in a sentence?

You can use "a disposition for" to describe someone's natural inclination or tendency towards something. For example, "He has "a disposition for kindness", always helping others".

What's a good substitute for "a disposition for"?

Alternatives include "a propensity for", "an inclination toward", or "a tendency to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "disposition to" grammatically correct instead of "a disposition for"?

While "disposition to" can be grammatically correct, it often implies a willingness or readiness to do something. "A disposition for" typically refers to a natural tendency or inherent quality.

How does "a disposition for" differ from "an aptitude for"?

"A disposition for" describes a general inclination or tendency, whereas "an aptitude for" suggests a natural talent or skill. The former is broader and can encompass personality traits, while the latter is more focused on abilities.