an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a certain way
example
Despite his calm demeanor, he has a propensity for getting into heated arguments during debates.
synonyms
tendencyinclinationdisposition
word origin — Early 17th century: from Latin 'propensitas', from 'propensus' meaning 'to hang forward'.
propensity, prescience, proclamation, propriety, provocation: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 185. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
propensity · noun/prəˈpɛn.sɪ.ti/
an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a certain way
Despite his calm demeanor, he has a propensity for getting into heated arguments during debates.
Synonyms: tendency, inclination, disposition
Origin: Early 17th century: from Latin 'propensitas', from 'propensus' meaning 'to hang forward'.
prescience · noun/ˈprɛʃ.əns/
the ability to foresee or predict future events
Her prescience about the market trends allowed her to invest wisely before the boom.
Synonyms: foreknowledge, clairvoyance, foresight
Origin: from the Latin 'praescientia', meaning 'foreknowledge', from 'praesciēns', the present participle of 'praescīre' which means 'to know beforehand'
proclamation · noun/ˌprɑːk.ləˈmeɪ.ʃən/
an official announcement or declaration
The mayor made a public proclamation declaring a day of remembrance for the city's history.
Synonyms: announcement, declaration, statement
Origin: from Latin 'proclamatio', from 'proclamare', meaning 'to cry out' or 'proclaim'.
propriety · noun/prəˈpraɪəti/
the state or quality of being socially acceptable or proper
She was known for her propriety in all social situations, always ensuring that her actions reflected the highest standards of decorum.
Synonyms: decorum, etiquette, propracticality
Origin: From Latin 'proprietas', meaning 'property, ownership', from 'proprius', meaning 'own, particular'.
provocation · noun/ˌprɑː.vəˈkeɪ.ʃən/
the act of provoking or inciting someone to action or feeling
His comments were seen as a provocation that stirred up tensions among the group.
Synonyms: incitement, instigation
Origin: From Latin 'provocatio', meaning 'a calling forth', from 'provocare', meaning 'to call forth, challenge'