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.
I worked with Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who had a real predilection for civics education.
From Salon • Sep. 8, 2025
"The studies let us know what our genetic predilection for IQ is," they told an undercover reporter in 2023.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2025
She received a torrent of criticism for her budget-cutting predilection, in the form of combative interviews from press that she was seemingly powerless to repel.
From Slate • Jan. 17, 2025
She had a predilection for painting women as modern, urban, desiring.
From New York Times • Apr. 1, 2024
An additional factor that can dictate how compulsively we use our devices has to do with individual personality and predilection.
From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel
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.
