English Reference
Verb

predisposed

v.
C1 Advanced US /ˌpɹidɪˈspoʊzd/ UK /pɹiːdɪspˈəʊzd/ pre·dis·posed

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.


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.

Previous research shows that boys are generally more predisposed than girls to reading difficulties, he says.

Phys.org· 27 Aug 2026

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.

ScienceDaily· 26 Aug 2026

From pre- + disposed.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated