The word "predispose" is spelled with the prefix "pre-", meaning "before," and the verb "dispose," meaning "to arrange" or "to settle." The correct pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription is /pri-dɪsˈpoʊz/, with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of this word may cause confusion due to its similar appearance to the word "disposition." However, "predispose" suggests a preexisting inclination or potential for a certain condition, while "disposition" refers to a person's inherent mental or emotional state.
Predispose is a verb that is used to describe the inclination or tendency of someone or something to be more susceptible or inclined towards a particular condition or behavior. It refers to the state of being predisposed or having a pre-existing disposition towards something.
When a person or organism is predisposed to something, it means that they possess certain characteristics, qualities, or traits that make them more likely to develop or exhibit that particular condition or behavior. These predisposing factors can be genetic, environmental, or a combination of both.
For example, someone may be genetically predisposed to have a higher risk of developing certain diseases or conditions because of their family history or inherited genetic markers. Similarly, an individual's upbringing or environment can predispose them to have certain behavioral tendencies or preferences.
The term predispose is commonly used in medical and psychological contexts to explain the increased probability of someone developing a specific illness, disorder, or mental state based on their pre-existing traits or circumstances. It is also employed in discussions related to genetics, as it helps to explain the hereditary transmission of traits or conditions.
Overall, predispose signifies the inherent or acquired susceptibility or tendency of an individual or organism to possess certain attributes, behaviors, or conditions due to various factors including genetics, environment, or a combination of both.
To render susceptible.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
To incline beforehand.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "predispose" comes from the Latin prefix "prae-" meaning "before" or "in advance" and the Latin verb "disponere" which means "to arrange" or "to settle". "Predispose" itself was formed by combining the prefix "pre-" meaning "beforehand" and the Latin verb "disponere" meaning "to arrange, put in order".
In English, the word "predispose" was first recorded in the mid-17th century, and it initially meant "to dispose or arrange in advance". Over time, its meaning evolved to specifically refer to a condition or characteristic that makes someone more susceptible to a particular disease or condition.