What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disposition
Example
She has a disposition for kindness and generosity. [disposition: noun]
Example
His disposition was sour and irritable after a long day at work. [disposition: noun]
proclivity
Example
He has a proclivity for adventure and risk-taking. [proclivity: noun]
Example
Her proclivity towards music led her to pursue a career in the industry. [proclivity: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disposition is more commonly used than proclivity in everyday language, as it is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts. Proclivity is less common and more formal, often used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disposition and proclivity?
Proclivity is a more formal term than disposition, and is less frequently used in everyday language. It is often used in academic or professional settings to describe a person's natural tendencies or inclinations.
