Predisposed
/ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/
adjectiveverbB2past participle, adjective use
Definition
Predisposed describes when someone or something is more likely to experience or do something because of their nature, condition, or situation. It often refers to health, behavior, or feelings that are more likely to occur because of genetics, environment, or past experiences.
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See It in Action
Having a natural tendency or likelihood toward something (often health or behavior)
- •She is predisposed to allergies because her mother has them.
- •People with a family history of diabetes may be predisposed to the disease.
- •Some children are predisposed to be shy in new social situations.
Being inclined or prepared mentally or emotionally before an event
- •He was predisposed to like the movie because he enjoys action films.
- •The teacher was predisposed to help students who showed interest.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "predisposed" like "likely," but it means this likelihood comes from inside you or from your past, not just by chance.
- ✓Picture a path already starting to bend toward a certain direction before you even walk on it.
- ✓It's the feeling when you know you might catch a cold easily because your family often gets sick.
- ✓Sounds like "pre-dis-POSED" → imagine something already "posed" or ready before it happens, like a camera set before a photo.
- ✓Think of a story where a character is born with a special talent or a weakness that shapes their future.
- ✓NOT like "random" (no reason), "predisposed" means there is a reason inside or before something happens.
- ✓NOT like "forced" (someone makes it happen), "predisposed" means the chance is already there naturally.
- ✓NOT like "decided" (made a choice), "predisposed" means the chance is ready but not certain.
Try Other Words
- •Inclined: meaning having a tendency or preference (Use when talking about feelings or choices)
- •Susceptible: meaning easily affected, often by illness or emotions (Use when talking about health or negative effects)
- •Prone: meaning likely to suffer or do something (Use when describing habits or health risks)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "pre-" (before) + root "dispose" (to arrange or tend toward)
- •Etymology: From Latin "praedisponere," meaning to arrange beforehand or make ready
- •Historical development: Originally used in the 1600s to mean preparing or making someone ready for something
- •Modern usage: Used mainly to describe natural tendencies or risks that exist before something happens
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you felt predisposed to like or dislike something before trying it?
•How does knowing you are predisposed to something affect the choices you make in life?
Fill in the blanks
1.People who are predisposed to colds often ___ get sick during winter months.
2.If someone is predisposed to anxiety, stressful events can ___ their feelings.
3.Being predisposed to a skill does not mean you will automatically ___ it.
4.She was predisposed ___ enjoy the book because it was about her favorite topic.
5.Unlike forced actions, predisposed behaviors come from ___ tendencies inside a person.
6.Doctors check if patients are predisposed ___ certain diseases to give better advice.
7.When someone is predisposed to a habit, they may find it ___ to change.