predilection

USAGE SUMMARY

"predilection" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you need to express a preference for something or an inclination towards something. For example, "She had a predilection for eating candy for breakfast".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Police believe the man - a gerontophile with a predilection for elderly women - has broken into the homes of 98 pensioners in south-east London over the past 16 years, raping four of them and indecently assaulting 24.

The Guardian

Their predilection for nocturnal lifestyles and partying can cause friction with those who have to abide by the more traditional nine-to-five working day.

The Guardian - Money

Here's No.1, in which Biden demonstrates that brevity is the soul of wit: Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.30pm BST23 30 For your predilection, here are two more national polls that disagree.

The Guardian

The young opener's predilection for the late cut was soon spotted by McCullum and, at one stage, New Zealand had four fielders within a few yards of each other around the backward point area.

The Guardian - Sport

The book also claims that while New Labour was seen to rely to heavily on political pollsters, Cameron has a predilection for political betting websites.

The Guardian

This isn't just some little drunken overnight diversion, but a decade-long bisexual predilection that no doubt still exists.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Directors will, inevitably, prosecute that mandate according to individual predilection and interpretation.

The Guardian

Although cartographers had given up their predilection for doodling odd creatures across Africa's interior, there wasn't a whole lot more they could put there instead.

The Guardian

And one not remotely possible without an existing predilection for football among the rank and file sports fans, of any nation.

The Guardian

But Mr Hirst's predilection for creating sculptures based on medical models has afforded a loophole.

The Economist

FOR a country with no particular predilection for fish, sushi is slowly but surely conquering Syria's capital, Damascus.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a strong leaning or bias, especially when you want to imply a sense of inherent preference or natural inclination, consider using "predilection" for its precise and formal connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "predilection" when a simple preference is meant. "Predilection" implies a deeper, more ingrained tendency. Instead of saying "He has a predilection for pizza", if it's just a casual liking, use "He prefers pizza".

Linguistic Context

The word "predilection" functions as a noun, typically denoting a preference or special liking for something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage in expressing inherent tendencies or established preferences, as shown in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predilection" is a noun used to express a strong, pre-existing liking or inclination towards something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its usage is not limited to these areas. When using "predilection", ensure that it accurately reflects a deep-seated preference rather than a casual liking, and consider alternatives like "inclination" or "preference" to match the intended nuance. Its correct spelling, as verified by Ludwig, is "predilection", and not "predelection".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination

Focuses on a natural tendency or urge, often less strong than a "predilection".

preference

Highlights a choice or favouring of one thing over another, less about inherent tendency than "predilection".

leaning

Suggests a slight tendency or bias, weaker and less defined than a "predilection".

penchant

Emphasizes a strong liking or fondness, similar to "predilection" but often for something specific.

proclivity

Highlights a natural or habitual inclination, often towards something specific, close in meaning to "predilection".

fondness

Implies affection or liking, which is a more emotional take compared to "predilection".

taste

Refers to a personal standard of what is acceptable or preferable, more subjective than a "predilection".

propensity

Signifies an inherent inclination or tendency, often natural, akin to "predilection".

disposition

Refers to a general attitude or mood, somewhat related to a "predilection" but more encompassing.

partiality

Expresses a bias in favour of someone or something, more overt than a "predilection".

FAQs

How to use "predilection" in a sentence?

Use "predilection" to express a strong liking or preference for something. For example, "She has a "predilection" for mystery novels."

What can I say instead of "predilection"?

You can use alternatives like "preference", "inclination", or "penchant" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "predilection" or "predelection"?

"Predilection" is the correct spelling. "Predelection" is not a recognized word.

What's the difference between "predilection" and "preference"?

"Predilection" implies a stronger, more inherent liking or tendency than a simple "preference". A preference might be a conscious choice, while a predilection is more of a natural inclination.