different between predilection vs aptitude

English

Alternative forms

• prædilection (archaic)

Etymology

Borrowed from French prédilection.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?p?i?.d??l?k.?n?/
• (US) IPA^(key): /?p??.d??l?k.?n?/
• Rhymes: -?k??n

Noun

predilection (countable and uncountable, plural predilections)

1. A condition of favoring or liking; a tendency towards; proclivity; predisposition.
   • 1967, Flann O’Brien, The Third Policeman, ch. 2,

     A row of houses he regards as a row of necessary evils. The softening and degeneration of the human race he attributes to its progressive predilection for interiors and waning interest in the art of going out and staying there.

   • 1987, Edwin M. Yoder Jr., "Lewis Powell a Fine Sense of Balance," Washington Post, 29 Jun.,

     But for him the first rule of judging was to set aside personal predilection and vote the law and the facts.

   • 2000, Terry McCarthy, "Lost Generation," Time Asia, 23 Oct.,

     ... youth’s predilection for revolt.

   • 2001, Marina Cantacuzino, "On deadly ground," The Guardian, 13 Mar.,

     Wilson doesn’t see any inconsistency between his socialism and his predilection for the high life.

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:predilection

Translations

English

Etymology

Middle French aptitude, from Medieval Latin aptitudo, from Latin aptus (“apt, fit”). Doublet of attitude.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?æpt??tju?d/

Noun

aptitude (countable and uncountable, plural aptitudes)

1. Natural ability to acquire knowledge or skill.

   Synonyms: talent, knack; see also Thesaurus:skill

2. The condition of being suitable.

   Synonyms: appropriateness, suitability

Translations

Further reading

• aptitude in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• aptitude in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

French

Etymology

From Medieval Latin aptit?d?.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ap.ti.tyd/

Noun

aptitude f (plural aptitudes)

1. aptitude

Related terms

• apte

Further reading

• “aptitude” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).