propensities

Ingrained behavioral leanings

Propensities is the plural of propensity—a natural inclination or tendency toward particular behavior.

The word implies something ingrained rather than chosen: His propensities for gambling and drink eventually ruined him.

Often used with negative behaviors, though not exclusively: She has propensities toward both generosity and suspicion.

inclination

leaning

Tendency toward something

proclivityInherent tendency toward something
penchantIngrained liking or tendency
predilectionPreexisting preference or bias

bent · disposition · affinity · partiality · bias · fondness · liking · preference · taste · drift

habit

pattern

Recurring arrangement or template

behaviorManner of conducting oneself
routineRegular sequence of actions
practiceRepeated work toward mastery

custom · compulsion · conditioning · repetition · fixation · obsession · second-nature · automatism · entrenchment · impulse

innate

genetics

Science of hereditary transmission

temperamentInborn behavioral nature
constitutionInherent physical or structural makeup
instinctsInnate behavioral tendencies

nature · trait · inborn · hardwired · predisposition · biology · ancestry · heritage · neurology · psychology

Categories

phrenologycraniology, acquisitiveness, adhesiveness, benevolence, cautiousness
Invisiblesair, atoms, electrons, gravity, magnetism
vulnerabilitiesvulnerability, insecurity, weakness, self-doubt, flaw

Opposites

inclination direction

propensitiesaversions

Strong feelings against

disinclinations · antipathies · reluctances · distastes · resistances

capacity vs. tendency

propensitiesinabilities

Lacks of capability

incapacities · incompetences · disabilities · impotences · powerlessness

presence of tendency

propensitiesindifferences

Absences of interest

neutrality · apathy · disinterest · impartiality · detachment

Family

tendency, inherent, inclination, propensity

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G