What is the difference between propension and proclivity?

Definitions

propension

- Describing a natural inclination or tendency towards something.

- Referring to a predisposition or preference for a particular behavior or activity.

- Talking about a habitual or instinctive tendency towards a certain action or thought.

proclivity

- Describing a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

- Referring to a habitual or instinctive preference for a particular behavior or activity.

- Talking about a predisposition or inclination towards a certain action or thought.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe a natural tendency or inclination towards something.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe a habitual or instinctive preference for a particular behavior or activity.
• 3. Both words are nouns that refer to a predisposition or inclination towards a certain action or thought.

What is the difference?

• 1. Usage: Propension is less common than proclivity and is more likely to be used in academic or formal contexts.
• 2. Connotation: Propension has a more neutral connotation, while proclivity can have a negative connotation when describing a tendency towards undesirable behavior.
• 3. Frequency: Proclivity is more commonly used than propension in everyday language.

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Remember this!

Propension and proclivity are synonyms that describe a natural tendency or inclination towards something. However, propension is less common and has a more neutral connotation, while proclivity is more commonly used and can have a negative connotation when describing a tendency towards undesirable behavior.