# disposition

/ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɪspəzˈɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/disposition
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. character or temperament

noun · CEFR B2

your usual mood or the natural way you behave towards others.

For teachers: a person's inherent qualities of mind and character; their natural temperament.

- She has a very sunny disposition and always looks for the best in people.
- His naturally nervous disposition made him ill-suited for the high-pressure environment of the trading floor.

### 2. physical arrangement

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the way that things are placed or arranged in a particular order.

For teachers: the relative arrangement or placement of objects or parts.

- The general carefully planned the disposition of his troops across the valley.
- The architect spent weeks perfecting the disposition of the rooms to ensure maximum exposure to natural light throughout the day.

### 3. legal settlement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

the final decision about what happens to property or a legal case.

For teachers: the final settlement of a matter; in law, the transfer of property or the final determination of a court case.

- The will explained the disposition of his money after his death.
- The court's final disposition of the assets was delayed by several months due to unforeseen challenges from the creditors.

### 4. a tendency

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

a natural tendency to behave in a certain way or to develop a certain health problem.

For teachers: a tendency or inclination to act in a particular way or to be affected by a specific condition.

- Some people have a genetic disposition to certain types of heart disease.
- The report noted a growing disposition among younger voters to support independent candidates over traditional parties.

## Examples

- She has a calm and friendly disposition.
- His cheerful disposition makes him popular with colleagues and clients alike.
- The general's strategic disposition of troops along the ridge ensured that the enemy could not flank the main defensive line without suffering heavy casualties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.