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Definition of predilection - 4 dictionary results

pre⋅di⋅lec⋅tion

  [pred-l-ek-shuhn, preed-]
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–noun
a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference: a predilection for Bach.
Origin:
1735–45; < ML praedīlect(us) beloved, ptp. of praedīligere to prefer (see pre-, diligent ) + -ion

Synonyms:
bias, inclination, leaning, liking, weakness, predisposition, prepossession.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pred·i·lec·tion   (prěd'l-ěk'shən, prēd'-)   
n.  A partiality or disposition in favor of something; a preference.

[French prédilection, from Old French, from Medieval Latin praedīlēctus, past participle of praedīligere, to prefer : Latin prae-, pre- + Latin dīligere, to love; see diligent.]
Synonyms: These nouns denote a predisposition to favor someone or something particular: a predilection for classical composers; a pro-American bias; conservative leanings; a partiality for liberal-minded friends; a penchant for exotic foods; a prejudice in favor of the underprivileged; a proclivity for self-assertiveness; a propensity for exaggeration.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Predilection

Pre`di*lec"tion\, n. [Pref. pre- + L. dilectus, p. p. diligere to prefer: cf. F. pr['e]dilection. See Diligent.] A previous liking; a prepossession of mind in favor of something; predisposition to choose or like; partiality. --Burke.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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predilection 
1742, from Fr. prédilection (16c.), n. of action from M.L. prædilectus, pp. of prediligere "prefer before others," from L. præ- "before" + diligere "choose, love" (see diligent).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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