What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disposition
Example
Her cheerful disposition made her popular among her colleagues. [disposition: noun]
Example
The disposition of the furniture in the room was awkward. [disposition: noun]
Example
He disposed of the old papers by throwing them in the trash. [disposed: verb]
arrangement
Example
The arrangement of the flowers in the vase was beautiful. [arrangement: noun]
Example
They came to an arrangement about the payment terms. [arrangement: noun]
Example
She arranged the books on the shelf by size and color. [arranged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arrangement is more commonly used than disposition in everyday language, especially when referring to the organization of physical objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disposition and arrangement?
Disposition can sound more formal than arrangement, especially when used in legal or technical contexts.