different between proclivity vs prepossession

English

Etymology

From Latin pr?cl?vit?s, from pro (“toward”) + cl?vus (“a slope, hill”).

Pronunciation

• (weak vowel distinction) IPA^(key): /p?o??kl?v?ti/
• (weak vowel merger) IPA^(key): /p?o??kl?v?ti/
• Rhymes: -?v?ti

Noun

proclivity (plural proclivities)

1. A predisposition or natural inclination, propensity, or a predilection; especially, a strong disposition or bent.
   • , Episode 16

     This therefore was the reason why the still comparatively young though dissolute man who now addressed Stephen was spoken of by some with facetious proclivities as Lord John Corley.

Synonyms

• penchant, propensity, see also Thesaurus:predilection

Translations

English

Etymology

pre- +? possession.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /p?i?p??z???n/

Noun

prepossession (countable and uncountable, plural prepossessions)

1. Preoccupation; having possession beforehand.
2. A preconceived opinion, or previous impression; bias, prejudice.
   • 1902, William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience, Folio Society 2008, p. 386:

     The spontaneous intellect of man always defines the divine which it feels in ways that harmonise with its temporary intellectual prepossessions.

Quotations

• 1791 : I am fully sensible to the greatness of that freedom, which I take with you on the present occasion; a liberty which seemed to me scarcely allowable, when I reflected on that distinguished and dignified station in which you stand, and the almost general prejudice and prepossession, which is so prevalent in the world against those of my complexion. - Letter from Benjamin Banneker to Thomas Jefferson, August 19, 1791

References

• prepossession in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.