proclivity
noun
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Have you always had this leaning toward wanting to know about words and their etymologies? Maybe you even have a propensity to use the featured word several times in the course of the day—due, of course, not to a proclivity for pretentiousness, but because you simply have a penchant for using a rich vocabulary. And perhaps you have a predilection for using lots of synonyms, such as proclivity (from clivus, the Latin word for "slope"), referring to a tendency usually toward something bad; propensity, suggesting an often uncontrollable inclination; penchant, meaning an irresistible attraction; and predilection, which describes a strong liking derived from one's temperament.
Synonyms
Examples of proclivity in a Sentence
Katie Rife, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024
An unpredictable schedule and a proclivity for nosing your way into everything.
—Shawna Chen, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024
Transactional relationships abound, along with shifting alliances, dirty tricks and lusty proclivities against a backdrop of new money and old.
—Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2024
The proclivity may have stemmed from military tradition, as the British Army only lifted its beard ban for serving soldiers and officers earlier this year, and royals including William have previously served.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for proclivity 
Dictionary Entries Near proclivity
Cite this Entry
“Proclivity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proclivity. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
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proclivity
noun
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