propension
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of propension
1520–30; < Latin prōpēnsiōn- (stem of prōpēnsiō ) inclination. See propense, -ion
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.
It is said of Dr. Main, that his propension to innocent raillery was so great, that it kept him company even after death.
From The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II by Cibber, Theophilus
Pleased with the sight of this, and having a natural propension to the study, the lady snatched it out of the philosopher's hand, and asked him why he had not made more?
From The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume IV by Cibber, Theophilus
The harshness of a stepmother, and her own indulged propension to vice, cast her headlong into the greatest disorders.
From The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs, and Principal Saints January, February, March by Butler, Alban
What then gives us so great a propension to ascribe an identity to these successive perceptions, and to suppose ourselves possest of an invariable and uninterrupted existence through the whole course of our lives?
From A Treatise of Human Nature by Hume, David
And I may add, that the sweet gratification I feel, in the indulging the strongest and best propension of my nature, in thus expatiating in its praise, is true pleasure, true happiness.
From An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Taste, and of the Origin of our Ideas of Beauty, etc. by Clifford, James L.
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.
