propensity
Meaning: A natural tendency or inclination to behave in a particular way, often one that is habitual or difficult to change.
Propensity is used in academic, psychological, and economic writing to describe recurring behavioural patterns. It is more formal than 'tendency' and often implies something innate or deep-seated. In economics, 'marginal propensity to consume' and 'propensity to save' are standard technical terms. Common collocations include 'propensity for,' 'propensity to,' and 'natural propensity.'
Examples
- The study examined the propensity for risk-taking among adolescents compared to adults. 该研究考察了青少年与成人相比的冒险倾向。El estudio examinó la propensión a asumir riesgos entre los adolescentes en comparación con los adultos.この研究は成人と比較した青少年のリスクテイク傾向を調査した。이 연구는 성인과 비교하여 청소년의 위험 감수 성향을 조사했다.
- His propensity to micromanage alienated colleagues and slowed decision-making across the department. 他事无巨细都要过问的倾向疏远了同事,拖慢了整个部门的决策效率。Su propensión a la microgestión alejó a sus colegas y ralentizó la toma de decisiones en todo el departamento.彼の細部にまで口を出す性向は同僚を遠ざけ、部門全体の意思決定を遅らせた。그의 세세한 것까지 관리하려는 성향은 동료들을 멀어지게 했고 부서 전체의 의사 결정을 지연시켰다.
- Researchers found a strong propensity among older voters to favour established parties over newer movements. 研究人员发现,年长选民强烈倾向于支持老牌政党而非新兴运动。Los investigadores encontraron una marcada propensión entre los votantes de mayor edad a favorecer a los partidos establecidos frente a los movimientos más nuevos.研究者たちは高齢の有権者が新興の運動よりも既成政党を好む強い傾向があることを見出した。연구자들은 고령 유권자들이 신생 운동보다 기성 정당을 선호하는 강한 경향이 있음을 발견했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, psychology, economics
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin prōpēnsitās (inclination), from prōpēnsus (inclined, hanging forward), past participle of prōpendēre (to hang forward). Entered English in the mid-16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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