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” ( predilect ) + -ion
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.
I worked with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who had a real predilection for civics education.
From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025
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
Moderate Democrats in the area have been nicknamed “Valleycrats,” to signal their predilection for voting for the person they believe will do the best job for the district rather than sticking with any one party.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 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
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.
