predilection

American  

[pred-l-ek-shuhn, preed-] / ˌprɛd lˈɛk ʃən, ˌprid- /

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

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predilection British  

/ ˌpriːdɪˈlɛkʃən /

noun

1. a predisposition, preference, or bias

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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

“The crossword is a uniquely capacious artifact ready to absorb and recast any group’s predilections and passions into puzzle form,” he writes.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Given my predilections, it’s not surprising that there are a lot of cartoons on this list.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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