different between propensity vs facility

English

Etymology

From propense (“inclined, disposed”) +? -ity, the former from Latin pr?pensus, perfect passive participle of pr?pende?.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /p???p?ns?ti/

Noun

propensity (countable and uncountable, plural propensities)

1. An inclination, disposition, tendency, preference, or attraction.
   • 1902, William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience, Lecture I:

     To the psychologist the religious propensities of man must be at least as interesting as any other of the facts pertaining to his mental constitution. It would seem, therefore, that, as a psychologist, the natural thing for me would be to invite you to a descriptive survey of those religious propensities.

Synonyms

• proclivity, propension, predilection, see also Thesaurus:predilection

Related terms

• propense

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle French facilité, and its source, Latin facilit?s.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /f??s?l?ti/
• Rhymes: -?l?ti

Noun

facility (countable and uncountable, plural facilities)

1. The fact of being easy, or easily done; absence of difficulty, simplicity. [from 16th c.]
2. Dexterity of speech or action; skill, talent. [from 16th c.]

   The facility she shows in playing the violin is unrivalled.

3. The physical means or contrivances to make something (especially a public service) possible; the required equipment, infrastructure, location etc. [from 19th c.]

   Transport facilities in Bangkok are not sufficient to prevent frequent traffic collapses during rush hour.
4. An institution specially designed for a specific purpose, such as incarceration, military use, or scientific experimentation.
5. (Canada, US, in the plural) A toilet. [from 20th c.]
6. (Scotland, law) A condition of mental weakness less than idiocy, but enough to make a person easily persuaded to do something against their better interest.
7. (dated) Affability.

Derived terms

• correctional facility

Translations