predilection
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of predilection
First recorded in 1735–45; from Middle French prédilection, Italian predilezione, and Medieval Latin praedīlect(us) “beloved, preferred,” past participle of praedīligere “to prefer” ( see predilect) + -ion
Explanation
A predilection is a preference for or bias toward something. If you have a predilection for wool clothing, you should take up knitting. Predilection is based on the Latin verb praediligere, or "prefer before others," which breaks down to prae, before, and diligere, "choose or love." We often use the word predilection for tendencies that people seem to have been born with, also called predispositions. If you're a night owl, you probably have a predilection for cities, while morning people tend to prefer the country.
Vocabulary lists containing predilection
The Crucible
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To Kill a Mockingbird
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300 Most Difficult "SAT" Words
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Questioned in February about Sir Wicknell's predilection for giving away cars, President Mnangagwa dismissed an accusation that the businessman was acting as his frontman.
From BBC • Jun. 21, 2025
More people are familiar with the second movie than the first these days, which also says something about our predilection for the visceral in life and on TV.
From Salon • Oct. 4, 2024
But you have to walk into a courtroom knowing what your views are, understanding what your predilection is, and then actually listening to what they’re telling you and being open to having your mind changed.
From Slate • Jul. 22, 2024
The books in this week’s newsletter, though, make bracing use of that famed predilection for pungency.
From New York Times • Feb. 10, 2024
Odile did not mind this predilection, seeing that it went along with, and probably helped, his emancipation from the dullness of his Northampton upbringing.
From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
