Predilection
/ˌprɛdɪˈlɛkʃən/noun
A strong preference or liking for something.
Did you know?Predilection entered English through French from Latin roots connected with choosing and loving, linking modern preference to the ancient idea of deliberately selecting what is worthy of affection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leg-
“To gather, collect, or choose”
Classical Latin
Latin
legere
“To gather, choose, read, or select”
Classical Latin
Latin
diligere
“To value, esteem, or love; literally formed with dis- plus legere”
Late Latin
Latin
prae-dilectio
“A preference or particular liking, literally a choosing beforehand”
17th Century
French
prédilection
“A marked preference or special liking”
17th Century
English
predilection
“A special preference or fondness”