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.
Like his father, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mr. Hoffman is proving to be an invaluable performer with a predilection for piquant-to-risky material.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
Referring to his dour mien and predilection for charcoal gray garb, Rand called him her “undertaker.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 25, 2026
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
According to your predilection, this designation will seem either a contradiction in terms or a natural state of affairs …
From Slate ● Jun. 6, 2025
It was a simple matter of choice, predilection, and a passing grade.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
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.
