Word
predisposed
Phoneticspre·dis·posed, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌpɹidɪˈspoʊzd/
UK/pɹiːdɪspˈəʊzd/
Definition
v. having a natural tendency or a higher chance of developing a certain habit, illness, or feeling. It often describes things you are born with or things that run in your family.
v. having a natural tendency or susceptibility to a particular condition, behavior, or emotion. Often used in medical or psychological contexts to describe inherited or environmental factors.
Examples
“He is genetically predisposed to heart disease.”
“Because of her family history, she is predisposed to developing certain allergies later in life.”
“While the environment plays a significant role in development, many researchers argue that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to specific behavioral patterns regardless of their upbringing.”
Examples
simple
“He is genetically predisposed to heart disease.”
contextual
“Because of her family history, she is predisposed to developing certain allergies later in life.”
complex
“While the environment plays a significant role in development, many researchers argue that certain individuals are genetically predisposed to specific behavioral patterns regardless of their upbringing.”
Real-World Examples
“Previous research shows that boys are generally more predisposed than girls to reading difficulties, he says.” “A low-carb diet may raise LDL cholesterol much more sharply in people who are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, particularly when they consume lots of saturated fat.” Etymology
From pre- + disposed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/predisposed