predilection

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

/ ˌprɛd lˈɛk ʃən, ˌprid- /

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See synonyms for: predilection / predilections on Thesaurus.com

noun

a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference: a predilection for Bach.

OTHER WORDS FOR predilection

bias, inclination, leaning, liking, predisposition, prepossession; weakness,

See synonyms for predilection on Thesaurus.com

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of predilection

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

Words nearby predilection

predictive, predictor, predictory, predigest, predikant, predilection, predispose, predisposed, predisposition, predistortion, prednisolone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use predilection in a sentence

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.
Media Briefing: After Google’s cookie reprieve, publishers’ identity tech adoption slows to a crawl|Tim Peterson|September 9, 2021|Digiday
The wife of a falangist officer in Talavera had a similar predilection, though she also shouted “Viva Franco” as she fired.
My Father Fled Fascism in Spain—and Taught Me How Lies Can Destroy a Democracy|Sebastian Junger|May 19, 2021|Time
Before that, she was a biology student with a predilection for fungi, and before that a jungle-trained member of the Air Force.
Sharon Matola, devoted zookeeper and conservationist, dies at 66|Emily Langer|March 31, 2021|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.
For three generations of Bush women, personal pain and a public spotlight|Jane Eisner|March 19, 2021|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.
Barrett confirmation hearing day three: Barrett declines to say whether it’s wrong to separate migrant children from parents|Derek Hawkins, Seung Min Kim, Ann Marimow, Karoun Demirjian|October 14, 2020|Washington Post
For those with a predilection for immaculately fine and delicate paintings by Botticelli, his Madonna of the Book will satisfy.
The Virgin Mary Lookbook|William O’Connor|December 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They drink too much, their bellies distend, and most possess a predilection for siliconed blondes and themed belt buckles.
Let Us Now Praise Famous Rednecks and Their Unjustly Unsung Kin|Allison Glock|August 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He justifies this controversial predilection by explaining, "Drakkar reminds me of me, and I love me."
Why Women Want Hollywood Lothario Wilmer Valderrama|Amy Zimmerman|April 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But if you can get past the predilection for alliteration and the teehee!
Why We Worship Derek Jeter (Even If He Kinda Sucks at Shortstop)|Robert Silverman|February 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
While playing this more mature role, it appears that Lawrence developed a predilection for all things boudoir.
Hollywood's Morning After: Emma Watson’s Pants and More|Amy Zimmerman|January 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Some of them might have a predilection for Germany; but such predilections were subordinate to a stronger feeling.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay
With his usual predilection for fruit, Phil went off and picked a quart of marsh-berries.
Gold-Seeking on the Dalton Trail|Arthur R. Thompson
The simple unexaggerated truth is that Chopin had always a predilection for, and felt more at home among, his compatriots.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks
Liszt gives us all the desirable information as to Chopin's predilection in this respect.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks
Chopin's predilection for the fashionable salon society led him to neglect the society of artists.
Frederick Chopin as a Man and Musician|Frederick Niecks

British Dictionary definitions for predilection

predilection

/ (ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən) /

noun

a predisposition, preference, or bias

Word Origin for predilection

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

predilection

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British Dictionary definitions for predilection

Word Origin for predilection