propense

adjective

pro·​pense prō-ˈpen(t)s How to pronounce propense (audio)
archaic
: leaning or inclining toward : disposed

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin prōpensus "weighted down, inclined, having a disposition or tendency, ready, eager, favorably disposed," from past participle of prōpendēre "to hang down, (of a person) incline, dispose oneself (toward something)" — more at propend

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of propense was in 1528

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Propense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/propense. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!