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GRE vocabulary

propensity

nounHigh-frequency wordMore P words

a natural inclination to behave in a particular way

Word origin: From Latin propensus, inclined, from propendere, to hang forward.

In a sentence

Propensity in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing propensity in a sentence.

He has a propensity to interrupt others mid-sentence.

Investors' propensity to follow the crowd amplifies both booms and crashes.

Synonyms
tendencyproclivitypredispositionpenchant
Antonyms
disinclinationaversion
Usage & nuance

Using “propensity” well

A propensity is a built-in inclination to behave a certain way. It is nearly interchangeable with proclivity and predisposition.

Common questions

Questions about “propensity

Propensity (noun) means a natural inclination to behave in a particular way
Here is propensity used in an example sentence: "He has a propensity to interrupt others mid-sentence." Another example: "Investors' propensity to follow the crowd amplifies both booms and crashes."
Common synonyms for propensity include tendency, proclivity, predisposition, penchant.
Antonyms of propensity include disinclination, aversion.
On the GRE, propensity clusters with tendency, proclivity, predisposition, and penchant, opposing disinclination and aversion.
Yes. Propensity is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

Learn words the way the GRE tests them.

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