predilection

[ pred-l-ek-shuhn, preed- ]

noun

1. a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference:

   a predilection for Bach.

   Synonyms: leaning, inclination, bias, weakness, prepossession, predisposition, liking

predilection

/ ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən /

noun

1. a predisposition, preference, or bias

Word History and Origins

Origin of predilection¹

First recorded in 1735–45; from Middle French prédilection, Italian predilezione, and Medieval Latin praedīlect(us) “beloved, preferred,” past participle of praedīligere “to prefer” ( predilect ) + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of predilection¹

C18: from French prédilection, from Medieval Latin praedīligere to prefer, from Latin prae before + dīligere to love

Example Sentences

That predilection toward contextual and time-of-day targeting in place of audience targeting likely offsets any urgency to embrace tracking alternatives for the publisher.

From Digiday

The wife of a falangist officer in Talavera had a similar predilection, though she also shouted “Viva Franco” as she fired.

From Time

Before that, she was a biology student with a predilection for fungi, and before that a jungle-trained member of the Air Force.

From Washington Post

The Bush women were not destined to break the mold — only to maintain it and shape it ever so gently with their own style, personality and predilections.

From Washington Post

“You followed that precedent, and you did so as a jurist rather than following whatever personal predilection might have otherwise guided you or any other member of the panel,” Lee said.

From Washington Post

For those with a predilection for immaculately fine and delicate paintings by Botticelli, his Madonna of the Book will satisfy.

From The Daily Beast

They drink too much, their bellies distend, and most possess a predilection for siliconed blondes and themed belt buckles.

From The Daily Beast

He justifies this controversial predilection by explaining, "Drakkar reminds me of me, and I love me."

From The Daily Beast

But if you can get past the predilection for alliteration and the teehee!

From The Daily Beast

While playing this more mature role, it appears that Lawrence developed a predilection for all things boudoir.

From The Daily Beast

Some of them might have a predilection for Germany; but such predilections were subordinate to a stronger feeling.

From Project Gutenberg

With his usual predilection for fruit, Phil went off and picked a quart of marsh-berries.

From Project Gutenberg

The simple unexaggerated truth is that Chopin had always a predilection for, and felt more at home among, his compatriots.

From Project Gutenberg

Liszt gives us all the desirable information as to Chopin's predilection in this respect.

From Project Gutenberg

Chopin's predilection for the fashionable salon society led him to neglect the society of artists.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fondness
• leaning
• penchant
• predisposition
• proclivity
• propensity