predisposition

[pree-dis-puh-zish-uhn, pree-dis-]

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.

Other Word Forms

• predispositional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of predisposition¹

First recorded in 1615–25; pre- + disposition

Example Sentences

Among other factors, they’ve identified genetic anomalies that may produce a predisposition to the condition.

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Genetic predisposition increases disease risk in certain populations.

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Looking at his genome, and comparing it with polygenic scores, they found that Hitler had a high predisposition for autism, ADHD, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

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The researchers then analyzed which health conditions were correlated with a genetic predisposition for cannabis use.

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In the 1990s, teams of scientists — supported at least in part by NIH funding — tracked down the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes responsible for inherited predispositions to breast and other cancers.

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Related Words

• disposition 
• predilection 
• proclivity 
• propensity 
• susceptibility