proclivity
noun
Did you know?
Have you always had this leaning toward wanting to know about words and their etymologies? Maybe you even have a propensity to use the featured word several times in the course of the day—due, of course, not to a proclivity for pretentiousness, but because you simply have a penchant for using a rich vocabulary. And perhaps you have a predilection for using lots of synonyms, such as proclivity (from clivus, the Latin word for "slope"), referring to a tendency usually toward something bad; propensity, suggesting an often uncontrollable inclination; penchant, meaning an irresistible attraction; and predilection, which describes a strong liking derived from one's temperament.
Examples of proclivity in a Sentence
Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 Feb. 2025
How willing lawmakers—especially those with pro-business proclivities—will be to buck the status quo remains to be seen.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 1 Feb. 2025
No matter your own soup memories, histories and proclivities, here are some of L.A. Times’ favorite comforting, nourishing soup recipes that are sure to resonate in your own home, including two collaborative dishes from Little Fish and Chainsaw’s wildfire relief efforts.
—Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2025
One theme poised to see lasting success is banks, Cramer said, due to Trump’s proclivity for deregulation.
—Julie Coleman, CNBC, 23 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for proclivity
Cite this Entry
“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proclivity. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
proclivity
noun
Share