predisposition
[pree-dis-puh-zish-uh n, pree-dis-]
- the fact or condition of being predisposed: a predisposition to think optimistically.
- Medicine/Medical. tendency to a condition or quality, usually based on the combined effects of genetic and environmental factors.
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Origin of predisposition
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
predilectionsusceptibilityproclivitydispositionpropensitygroovepenchantlikelihoodbentweaknessflashpartialitythingbiaspreferencepotentialityleaningdishlikingchoiceExamples from the Web for predisposition
Contemporary Examples
When was the first time I realized this was beyond a predisposition to anxiety?
Richard Russo Talks About New Memoir “Elsewhere” And His Mother’s IllnessJane Ciabattari
November 12, 2012
She says men who kill women they love have a predisposition for violence and an archaic attitude toward women in their lives.
The role of genes in causing a predisposition for cancer during this time of life is unknown and warrants intensive research.
Historical Examples
Laws must be definite, and we should create in the citizens a predisposition to obey them.
LawsPlato
There has been a predisposition to paralysis, which is the true nature of this attack.
Rim o' the WorldB. M. Bower
In every member of it he recognised character, and a predisposition which might even be genius.
TancredBenjamin Disraeli
She understood not how fatal a predisposition lurked in her bosom.
Who Are Happiest? and Other StoriesT. S. Arthur
Their views rather wearied me, despite my predisposition to favour them.
The MessageAlec John Dawson
predisposition
- the condition of being predisposed
- med susceptibility to a specific diseaseSee diathesis
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for predisposition
n.
1620s, from pre- + disposition.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
predisposition
(prē′dĭs-pə-zĭsh′ən)- The state of being predisposed.
- A condition of special susceptibility, as to a disease.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.