predilection
C2Formal, literary, academic
Definition
Meaning
A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favour of something.
A long-standing, often inexplicable, inclination towards a particular person, thing, or activity that shapes one's choices.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a preconceived preference formed prior to full consideration; often carries a nuance of being ingrained or inherent. Not typically used for trivial, everyday likes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or frequency. Slightly more common in British literary/academic prose.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes a certain refinement or intellectual leaning. Can sometimes imply an unreasoned bias.
Frequency
Low-frequency, formal word in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have a predilection for [noun/gerund]show a predilection for [noun/gerund]predilection towards [noun]predilection to [infinitive] (rare)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have a predilection for the finer things”
- “a predilection for trouble”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The board showed a predilection for conservative investments.'
Academic
Common in humanities/social sciences. 'The author's predilection for post-structuralist theory is evident.'
Everyday
Very rare; sounds formal/pretentious in casual speech.
Technical
Occasional in psychology/neurology. 'A study on the genetic predilection for certain behaviours.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A. There is no verb form 'to predilect' in standard usage.
American English
- N/A. The verb form is obsolete or non-standard.
adverb
British English
- N/A. No standard adverb form exists.
American English
- N/A. 'Predilectionally' is not a word.
adjective
British English
- N/A. The adjectival form 'predilective' is extremely rare.
American English
- N/A. 'Predilective' is not in common use.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He has a predilection for old science fiction films.
- She showed a predilection for classical music from a young age.
- The critic's predilection for minimalist art coloured all his reviews.
- There is a cultural predilection for savoury breakfasts in this region.
- His intellectual predilections leaned towards the empiricist philosophers of the 18th century.
- The policy was criticized for reflecting the government's predilection for simplistic, market-based solutions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRE + DILECTION (like 'direction'). A pre-existing direction of your liking.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREFERENCE IS A LEANING/INCLINATION (He has a predilection for jazz), PREFERENCE IS A TASTE/BENT
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: not 'предсказание' (prediction). Closest: 'пристрастие', 'склонность', 'особая любовь'.
Common Mistakes
- Using for trivial likes ('I have a predilection for pizza'). Confusing with 'prediction'. Using wrong preposition ('predilection on' instead of 'predilection for').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'predilection' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. It can be positive (a predilection for excellence) or slightly negative when implying an unreasoned bias (a predilection for conspiracy theories).
'Predilection' is more formal, suggests a stronger, deeper-seated, and often inherent liking. 'Preference' is neutral and general, used in everyday contexts.
It is very rare and considered non-standard. The standard structure is 'predilection for' + noun/gerund (e.g., a predilection for arguing).
No, the standard preposition is 'for'. 'A predilection for something' is correct.
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