predilection

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

noun

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

   a predilection for Bach.

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

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

I worked with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who had a real predilection for civics education.

From Salon

As with “Fargo,” he’s made something true to the spirit of the original yet colored by his own goofy predilections.

From Los Angeles Times

"The studies let us know what our genetic predilection for IQ is," they told an undercover reporter in 2023.

From BBC

But his predilection for aggressive executive actions in the U.S. will ultimately be stymied if it is not grounded in defensible legal authority and process.

From Los Angeles Times

“California has shown a predilection for funding things that are over and above what Medicaid nationally will do,” such as covering low-income Californians regardless of immigration status, said John Baackes, chief executive of L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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