Word: penchant

Associations

The word "penchant" means a strong liking or habit for something. It suggests a preference that is often deep and enduring.

• She has a penchant for classical music. This means she really enjoys classical music and often chooses to listen to it.
• He has a penchant for adventure sports. This shows that he loves activities like rock climbing or skiing and does them frequently.
• My sister has a penchant for cooking Italian food. This indicates that she really enjoys making Italian dishes and does so regularly.

A synonym for "penchant" is "fondness." However, "fondness" can be less intense and imply a simpler liking, while "penchant" suggests a stronger inclination or habit for something.

Substitution

Other words/phrases that can replace "penchant" include:

• Affinity: This suggests a natural attraction or relationship but can be broader and less intense.
• Predilection: This is similar but can imply a preference based on certain conditions or experiences.
• Inclination: This indicates a tendency towards something but might not suggest the same depth of feeling.

Deconstruction

The word "penchant" comes from the French word "pencher," which means "to lean" or "to incline." There are no prefixes or suffixes in this word. The use of "penchant" in English comes from the idea of leaning towards something, showing that the person has a strong tendency or preference.

Inquiry

• Can you think of something you have a penchant for? What is it and why?
• How would you describe your penchant in a situation where you are talking about your hobbies?
• In what situations might having a penchant for something be an advantage?