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predisposition

[pree-dis-puh-zish-uh n, pree-dis-]
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noun
  1. the fact or condition of being predisposed: a predisposition to think optimistically.
  2. 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

First recorded in 1615–25; pre- + disposition
Related formspre·dis·po·si·tion·al, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

predilection, susceptibility, proclivity, disposition, propensity, groove, penchant, likelihood, bent, weakness, flash, partiality, thing, bias, preference, potentiality, leaning, dish, liking, choice

Examples from the Web for predisposition

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • Laws must be definite, and we should create in the citizens a predisposition to obey them.

    Laws

    Plato

  • There has been a predisposition to paralysis, which is the true nature of this attack.

    Rim o' the World

    B. M. Bower

  • In every member of it he recognised character, and a predisposition which might even be genius.

    Tancred

    Benjamin Disraeli

  • She understood not how fatal a predisposition lurked in her bosom.

  • Their views rather wearied me, despite my predisposition to favour them.

    The Message

    Alec John Dawson

British Dictionary definitions for predisposition

predisposition

noun
  1. the condition of being predisposed
  2. 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 in Medicine

predisposition

(prē′dĭs-pə-zĭsh′ən)
n.
  1. The state of being predisposed.
  2. 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.