Penchant
/ˈpɒn.ʃɒ̃/noun
A strong or habitual liking for something or a tendency to do something.
Did you know?The word 'penchant' is linked to the idea of 'hanging' or 'tilting,' suggesting an inclination towards something, as if drawn by invisible forces!
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
penchant
“Leaning or inclination, as if drawn towards something.”
Late Latin
Latin
pendere
“To hang or weigh, suggesting a balance or pull.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pen-
“To weigh or to hang, indicating a physical or metaphorical inclination.”
Modern English
English
penchant
“A strong inclination or liking for something, derived from its Old French sense.”
Explore more surprising origins