proclivity

USAGE SUMMARY

'proclivity' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is used to refer to a natural inclination or tendency. Example sentence: She had a proclivity for gardening and often spent her free time tending to her garden.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"IT'S like being gay it's just not something you'd want to admit to in the Conservative Party," says an ambitious young Tory MP of his mildly pro-European proclivity.

The Economist

True, the Germans learnt to be less formal and to cut back on their proclivity for piles of paperwork, while the Americans learnt more discipline in their decision-making and meetings.

The Economist

Are you suggesting that the former president's reflection expresses that same mental proclivity suffered by men whom the French mistake for philosophers?Nonsense.

The Economist

It means China will fall well short of the 1m-2m extra births that Wang Peian, the deputy director of the commission, had predicted.In this section Tamed hounds One-child proclivity Anchor away ReprintsThe problem is partly bureaucratic.

The Economist

One troubling example is the Chinese proclivity for "indigenous innovation".

The Economist

To test their device the two researchers studied the well-established proclivity of breast-cancer cells (pictured above) to colonise bone.

The Economist

That Kim Jong Il, North Korea's dictator, has an abiding proclivity for the bottle has now been attested (at second hand) by a senior member of the Chinese government.

The Economist

In the words of the CMVD, which could be echoed round the world, "inexperience, immature judgment and a proclivity for risk-taking place teens at a disadvantage behind the wheel .In this section The Wyoming paradox Black, yes; Democrats, maybe Try m-o-n-e-y Ready for your close-up, Mr Sharpton?

The Economist

Rather, it was in the shape of the empty chair of Rui Chenggang, a star presenter, during the July 11th broadcast of his programme, "Economic News".In this section Tamed hounds One-child proclivity Anchor away ReprintsReports in other state-run media confirmed that Mr Rui had been detained in a corruption investigation that had already netted senior people at CCTV.

The Economist

The proclivity was slightly more pronounced among ladies, whose best-friend sex index peaked in their late 20s at 0.46 (equivalent to roughly three male best friends for every female one in the sample) and stayed more or less the same throughout their 30s.

The Economist

The prime minister and leader of the party, Abdullah Badawi, agreed that the NEP needed fixing, as it had imbued Malays not with the intended spirit of entrepreneurialism, but with an unfortunate proclivity for rent-seeking.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "proclivity" when you want to emphasize a natural or inherent inclination towards something, especially when it's a recurring pattern or tendency.

Common error

Avoid using "proclivity" when a simple preference is meant. "Proclivity" implies a deeply ingrained tendency, not just a passing fancy. For instance, say "I prefer tea" instead of "I have a proclivity for tea" if it's just a matter of taste.

Linguistic Context

The word "proclivity" functions primarily as a noun. It denotes a natural inclination or tendency, often one that is inherent or habitual. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correctly used and understood in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "proclivity" is a noun that signifies a natural inclination or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. It commonly appears in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific writings, making it a versatile term for describing inherent tendencies. While interchangeable with words like "inclination" or "propensity", it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for deeply ingrained tendencies rather than simple preferences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inclination

Emphasizes a leaning or preference towards something.

propensity

Highlights a natural inclination or habit.

tendency

Refers to a general likelihood of behaving in a certain way.

predilection

Indicates a preference or special liking for something.

predisposition

Focuses on a prior tendency or susceptibility.

penchant

Implies a strong liking or fondness.

leaning

Suggests a bias or partiality.

bent

Suggests a strong, natural inclination or talent.

aptitude

Highlights a natural ability or talent, rather than just a tendency.

disposition

Refers to a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

FAQs

How can I use "proclivity" in a sentence?

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

What are some words I can use instead of "proclivity"?

Alternatives to "proclivity" include "inclination", "propensity", "tendency", or "predilection". Choose the word that best fits the specific context.

Is it correct to say someone has a "proclivity to" or a "proclivity for"?

Both are correct, but "proclivity for" is generally more common and natural-sounding. You might say someone has a "proclivity for risk-taking" or a "proclivity to take risks."

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

"Proclivity" implies a deeply ingrained tendency or inclination, whereas "preference" simply indicates a liking or choice. A "proclivity" is more inherent and less easily changed than a preference.