predisposition
C1-C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
A tendency or inclination to think, feel, or behave in a particular way, or to be susceptible to a particular condition.
An existing condition or set of beliefs that makes someone more likely to develop a certain characteristic, accept an idea, or contract an illness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically used for inherent or prior tendencies (genetic, psychological, or experiential) that incline someone toward something. It implies a state that exists before a specific influence or event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Slightly more common in American medical/psychological writing.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both; academic/formal term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
predisposition to/towards [noun]predisposition to [infinitive]predisposition for [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Born with a silver spoon (related to socioeconomic predisposition)”
- “A chip off the old block (related to behavioral predisposition)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used in HR contexts, e.g., 'a predisposition for leadership'.
Academic
Common in psychology, medicine, genetics, and sociology to discuss inherent risks or inclinations.
Everyday
Limited. Used in discussions about health, personality, or opinions.
Technical
Frequent in medical genetics ('a genetic predisposition to breast cancer') and psychological profiling.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- His early experiences predisposed him to distrust authority.
- Factors like diet can predispose one to illness.
American English
- Her genetics predisposed her to heart disease.
- That policy could predispose voters against the candidate.
adverb
British English
- She listened predisposedly, already inclined to believe him. (Rare/Formal)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He was predisposed to favour the proposal.
- Children are not predisposed to dislike vegetables.
American English
- She was genetically predisposed to be tall.
- I'm predisposed to agree with her argument.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Some people have a natural predisposition to be optimistic.
- His family history suggests a predisposition to allergies.
- The study examined a genetic predisposition towards certain addictive behaviours.
- Her early training gave her a predisposition for meticulous work.
- The political culture of the region created a profound predisposition towards scepticism of federal authority.
- Researchers identified a biological predisposition that interacts with environmental stressors to trigger the condition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRE (before) + DISPOSITION (state of mind/body) = a state you have BEFORE something happens.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREDISPOSITION IS A SLOPE (It makes it easier to slide in a certain direction).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'предрасположенность' where 'tendency' or 'inclination' might be more natural in simpler contexts.
- Do not confuse with 'prejudice' ('предубеждение').
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'predispositon' (missing 'i').
- Using 'predisposition of' instead of 'predisposition to/towards'.
- Confusing it with 'prediction'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'predisposition' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Predisposition' is more formal and often implies an underlying, inherent state (genetic, psychological) that exists *before* an influence. 'Tendency' is more general and can describe observed patterns of behaviour without specifying an inherent cause.
Yes. While often used for medical risks, it can describe positive inclinations, e.g., 'a predisposition for mathematics' or 'a natural predisposition to kindness'.
The most common are 'to' (predisposition to anger/be angry) and 'towards' (predisposition towards scepticism). 'For' is also possible but less frequent (predisposition for getting into trouble).
Primarily, yes. The related verb is 'predispose' and the adjective is 'predisposed'.
Explore