predilection

/ˌpɹiː.dəˈlɛk.ʃn̩/

Group 11Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(noun)
A preference or special liking for something
GRE

Example in Context

The curator's predilection for abstract expressionism was evident in the gallery's permanent collection.

Synonyms

preferencefondnessliking

Etymology

Choosing something before others as a preference.

  • pre- (Latin) — before
  • dilectio (Latin) — to choose

Memory Aid

🥪Sounds like “pre-deli-ction

If you have a PRE-DELICTION for sandwiches, you’ll always pick them over other foods — a sandwich PRE-SELECTED!

Visual Association

❤️A person joyfully surrounded by their favorite foods, smiling as they reach for a sandwich.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “predilection” mean on the GRE?

predilection (noun) means “A preference or special liking for something”. The curator's predilection for abstract expressionism was evident in the gallery's permanent collection.

How to remember “predilection” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “predilection” sounds like “pre-deli-ction”. If you have a PRE-DELICTION for sandwiches, you’ll always pick them over other foods — a sandwich PRE-SELECTED!

What are synonyms for “predilection”?

Common synonyms: preference, fondness, liking.