noun

proclivity

pruh-KLIV-uh-tee/prəˈklɪvəti/

A natural tendency or inclination toward something.

His ready turn to sketching suggests a proclivity for drawing.

An older man naturally gravitates toward sketching: seated at a small table with several leisure options, he is already absorbed in drawing a pear while an unopened puzzle and a closed, unmarked book remain aside.

Etymology

proLatinforward

+clivLatinslope

+ityLatinstate or quality

A forward slope provides the image behind a proclivity: being inclined in a particular direction. That physical inclination became a tendency toward a particular action or behavior.

In context

Curt Jaimungal279:26

I think mind has this proclivity to deceive itself in many different ways

Escaping the Illusion: Bernardo Kastrup Exposes Reality

More examples

Her proclivity for puzzles appeared at an early age.
The report noted his proclivity to challenge authority.
A proclivity for exaggeration weakened the witness's account.

Forms

proclivity

Similar words

inclination: Inclination is a tendency or preference; proclivity often implies a characteristic recurring tendency.
propensity: Both suggest a tendency; proclivity often has a mildly critical tone when describing habits.