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
Jen Chaney, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024
The streams of cyclists headed to work and the cargo bikes on school runs are a representation of the Danish proclivity for spontaneity and efficiency—even style.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Oct. 2024
But his status and his natural proclivity for authenticity gave us a window into this athlete’s journey.
—Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 4 July 2024
In the past, Guillermo has applied these proclivities to vampires, who are pretty much guaranteed not to notice, let alone appreciate.
—Katie Rife, Vulture, 29 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 28 Nov. 2024.
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proclivity
noun
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