penchant
UK: ˈpɒ̃ʃɒ̃ | US: ˈpɛntʃənt
n. a strong or habitual liking for something; a tendency or inclination
penchant = pench<lean, incline> + ant<noun suffix>
- pench (from Old French penchier, meaning "to lean, incline")
- ant (a noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality, from Latin -antem)
Etymology Origin:
The word penchant entered English in the 17th century from French, where it originally meant "leaning" or "inclination" (both literal and figurative). The root pench- traces back to Latin pendere ("to hang, weigh"), reflecting the idea of being drawn toward something. Over time, it evolved to describe a persistent preference or tendency, retaining its core logic of "leaning" metaphorically toward a particular inclination.
She has a penchant for spicy food.
His penchant for adventure led him to travel the world.
The artist’s penchant for bold colors is evident in her work.
Despite his penchant for procrastination, he always meets deadlines.
The director’s penchant for long takes gives his films a unique rhythm.