Basic Details
Word: Propensity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A natural habit or tendency to behave in a certain way, often one that is not good.
Synonyms: tendency, inclination, leaning, habit
Antonyms: aversion, disinclination
Word origin: From Latin propensus, leaning forward, from pro, forward, and pendere, to hang.
How to Spell Propensity
Syllables: pro - pen - si - ty
Tricky part: Look for pens, with an e, in the middle, then ity. A c in place of the s gives propencity, a common error.
Watch out for: propencity, propinsity, propensaty
Memory tip: Picture someone with a propensity for losing PENS: pro + pens + ity. The word pens sits right in the middle.
Usage Examples
Example 1: My little brother has a propensity for asking questions at the worst possible moment.
Example 2: Some breeds of dog have a propensity to put on weight.
Example 3: The low road beside the river has a propensity to flood after heavy rain.
Fun Fact
The Latin pendere, to hang, hiding in propensity is also the root of pendulum and pendant, things that hang down.
Practise the CREST Way
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. propensity 2. aquaintance 3. negligance 4. sincerety
a) a natural tendency to behave in a certain way
b) a person you know slightly
c) failure to take proper care
d) the quality of being honest and genuine
Show answer
a) a natural tendency to behave in a certain way. Acquaintance needs a c before the q, negligence ends in ence and sincerity ends in ity; that leaves propensity.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word propensity as used in the sentence:
Vikram has a propensity to exaggerate whenever he tells a story about his cricket matches.
a) talent
b) tendency
c) fear
d) dislike
Show answer
b) tendency. A propensity is a habit that keeps showing up, which is what tendency means.
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
prop_ns_ty
a) e, i
b) e, a
c) a, i
d) i, i
Show answer
a) e, i. Find the word pens inside, then finish with the ity ending used in many nouns.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. A student with a propensity for daydreaming ____.
a) never thinks about anything
b) often lets the mind wander
c) dreams only at night
d) dislikes stories about dreams
Show answer
b) often lets the mind wander
2. Which word is the opposite of propensity?
a) habit
b) aversion
c) inclination
d) leaning
Show answer
b) aversion
