predisposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "predisposition" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to refer to a tendency or inclination, particularly one that is innate or inherited. Example Sentence: Joe had a predisposition to mathematics and he was determined to cultivate this talent.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

More importantly, we can't ignore the power of networks across sectors of society, something that Vermont, with its small size and face-to-face democracy, has a natural predisposition towards.

The Guardian

To reduce the risk of children getting peanut allergy (thought to be due to genetic predisposition and environmental factors), Tang recommends introducing peanuts when children are aged between four and six months onwards.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One murderer in Georgia is trying to escape the chair on the grounds that he has an inherited predisposition to crime.

The Guardian

Some of this last third are known: genetic predisposition, ultraviolet sunlight, pollutants such as pesticides, and other factors including cosmic radiation and a naturally occurring radioactive gas called radon.

The Economist

Such chips can provide important clues about predisposition to disease and response to therapy.

The Economist

It is caused by hormones and mediated by genetic predisposition.

The Economist

This suggests that in men, at least, it is also possible to look at someone's face and read his predisposition to aggression.The thesis developed by Mr Carré and Dr McCormick is that aggressiveness is predictable from the ratio between the width of a person's face and its height.

The Economist

As the chart shows knowledge (or rather, presumably, an innate predisposition to acquire such knowledge) is highly genetically determined.

The Economist

As well as a genetic predisposition to the disease, the chances of getting it are connected to diet, lifestyle and other social and economic factors.

The Economist

Others have celebrated motherhood: in her book, "Lean In", Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer, writes about delousing her children aboard a corporate jet.Posing for powerCan anything be done about this predisposition for promoting people of a certain type?

The Economist

Although the explosion turned out to be an accident, there was a predisposition to blame Iran making the signing that much easier.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predisposition" to denote an inherent tendency or increased likelihood, especially in contexts of health, genetics, or behavior. For instance, describe a "genetic predisposition" to a disease.

Common error

Avoid equating a "predisposition" with a direct cause. A "predisposition" increases the likelihood of something occurring, but other factors are often necessary for it to manifest.

Linguistic Context

The noun "predisposition" functions primarily to denote a susceptibility or inclination toward a certain condition or behavior. It often appears in contexts relating to health, genetics, or personality, as demonstrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predisposition" is a noun indicating a susceptibility or inclination, often inherent, towards a particular condition or behavior. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in formal and scientific contexts like medicine, genetics, and psychology. When using the word "predisposition", it is important to remember that it increases the likelihood of something occurring, but it is not a direct cause. Consider "inclination", "tendency", or "propensity" as potential alternatives, depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. Examples available on Ludwig, indicate the wide applicability of the word across many areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination

Emphasizes a leaning or tendency, often based on personal preference.

tendency

Highlights a general direction or predictable pattern of behavior.

propensity

Suggests a natural inclination or inherent tendency.

susceptibility

Focuses on vulnerability or openness to influence or disease.

proneness

Implies a liability or likelihood of experiencing something negative.

liability

Highlights the state of being legally obliged or responsible, or being prone to something

aptitude

Signifies a natural ability or talent for something specific.

leaning

Indicates a bias or preference toward a particular opinion or course of action.

vulnerability

Focuses on the state of being exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally.

predilection

Highlights a strong liking or preference for something.

FAQs

How can I use "predisposition" in a sentence?

You can use "predisposition" to indicate a tendency or susceptibility. For example: "She has a genetic "predisposition" to heart disease" or "His upbringing created a "predisposition" toward risk-taking".

What's the difference between "predisposition" and "tendency"?

"Predisposition" often suggests a more inherent or innate inclination, while "tendency" implies a general pattern of behavior or thought. A "predisposition" might be genetic, whereas a "tendency" could be learned.

What are some synonyms for "predisposition"?

Synonyms for "predisposition" include "inclination", "propensity", "susceptibility", and "tendency". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone has a "predisposition to" something?

Yes, it's grammatically correct to use "predisposition to" followed by a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing). For example, "a "predisposition to obesity"" or "a "predisposition to lying"".