disposition

USAGE SUMMARY

'disposition' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone's attitude or mood, as well as their general outlook or temperament. For example, "John's easy-going disposition made it easy for him to make friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet he is "treated as if he is either mentally ill or a criminal", says his mother: "He has such a wonderful disposition, when he's totally calm he's funny, very loving and very caring.

The Guardian

His default disposition, and disposition of those around him, is people are on Team Tony or they are not.

The Guardian

This prize is a reminder that screenwriting is not just about writing lines: it is form and carpentry, about the disposition of scenes.

The Guardian - Film

She continued: "It's not forgive and you're done, there's a disposition of mind and disposition of being that you need to bring into the process and that's what our book is about".

The Guardian

Given the story had clearly entered a new phase, the cross bench players were asked about their disposition in the event of a no confidence motion in the government.

The Guardian

It seems natural that an inborn disposition to crime (or, for that matter, to heart disease) should lead to forgiveness.

The Guardian

A visit from one gentleman of chatty disposition, who presses the claim of the official Conservative candidate, loses all interest in me the moment he discovers I am a Liberal, and goes away happy in the knowledge that if I do not vote for his man I shall certainly not vote for his rival.

The Guardian

Any particular department's disposition to transparency is important because police are not required to report to the federal government when they kill someone.

The Guardian

Hughes said Gilmour was "plainly a talented man" and references from people described him as a person "generally of gentle and peaceable disposition".

The Guardian

And her disposition probably didn't improve when she saw the draw.

The Guardian - Sport

While I have no problem "switching off" – I am by disposition incredibly lazy – I took my instructions to unplug literally, and set about ceremonially switching off and confiscating all our gadgets.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a person's character, use "disposition" to highlight their prevailing mood or natural tendency. For instance, "She had a cheerful disposition" effectively communicates her generally positive outlook.

Common error

Avoid confusing "disposition", which relates to temperament or arrangement, with "disposal", which refers to the act of getting rid of something. "The disposition of assets" is different from "the disposal of waste."

Linguistic Context

The noun "disposition" primarily functions to describe a person's inherent qualities, temperament, or state of mind. According to Ludwig, it is considered a correct and usable word in written English, as seen in numerous examples where it denotes an individual's general outlook.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disposition" is a versatile noun used to describe someone's inherent temperament, attitude, or the arrangement of elements in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and widely used. It's particularly common in news and media, formal business writing, and scientific discourse. While synonyms like "temperament", "inclination", and "attitude" exist, "disposition" carries a unique nuance, often suggesting a prevailing mood or natural tendency. When writing, be mindful of potential confusion with "disposal", which relates to getting rid of something. Using "disposition" correctly can add depth and precision to your descriptions, whether you're characterizing a person or outlining a strategic arrangement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

temperament

Focuses more specifically on the emotional and behavioral aspects of someone's personality.

inclination

Emphasizes a natural tendency or preference towards something.

tendency

Highlights a propensity or likelihood to behave in a certain way.

attitude

Refers to a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something.

character

Encompasses the overall moral and mental qualities of a person.

personality

Describes the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual’s distinctive character.

mindset

Highlights a particular way of thinking or mental attitude.

frame of mind

Indicates a temporary state of mind influencing one's thoughts and feelings.

predisposition

Suggests a susceptibility or tendency to something, often genetically influenced.

penchant

Implies a strong liking or fondness for something.

FAQs

How can I use "disposition" in a sentence?

"Disposition" can refer to a person's inherent qualities or temperament. For example, "Despite the challenges, she maintained a positive disposition." It can also refer to the arrangement of something, like "the disposition of troops".

What is the difference between "disposition" and "temperament"?

While both terms relate to personality, "disposition" is a broader term referring to a person's general mood or attitude. "Temperament" specifically refers to the innate, hereditary aspects of personality.

What are some synonyms for "disposition"?

Synonyms for "disposition" include "inclination", "tendency", "temperament", and "attitude". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone has a "good disposition"?

Yes, saying someone has a "good disposition" is a common and correct way to describe them as having a pleasant and agreeable temperament.