Definition

Verb: * To have a natural tendency, disposition, or inclination toward a particular state, quality, or action. It describes a habitual or likely pattern of behavior or condition.

Usage

The verb "be given" is used to express a person's characteristic inclination or propensity. It is almost always followed by the preposition "to" and a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing). * Structure: Subject + be given + to + [noun/gerund phrase] * It often describes a habitual trait, a weakness, or a frequent behavior.

Examples

• She is given to sudden outbursts of anger when under pressure.
• He was given to long, solitary walks in the evening.
• The author is given to using elaborate metaphors in her writing.
• They are not given to expressing their emotions openly.

Advanced Usage

• "Be much given to": Emphasizes a strong or frequent inclination.
  • In his youth, he was much given to extravagant parties.
• "Be given over to": This is a distinct phrasal verb meaning to be devoted or dedicated to something, often completely.
  • His life was given over to the study of ancient texts. (This means his life was dedicated to it, not just that he had a tendency for it.)

Variants and Related Words

• Given (adjective): Specified or stated. Often used to introduce a fact or condition.
  • At any given time, several projects are underway.
  • Given the circumstances, we did our best.
• Give (verb): The base form, with many meanings including to present, to grant, or to yield.

Synonyms

• Inclined: Having a tendency or preference.
• Prone: Likely to suffer or do something undesirable.
• Disposed: Having a particular attitude or inclination.
• Apt: Having a natural tendency; likely.

Related Phrases

• Have a propensity for/to: To have a natural inclination toward something.
• Be in the habit of: To do something regularly or habitually.

Notes

The phrase "be given" in this sense is more formal and less common in everyday speech than synonyms like "tend to" or "be inclined to." It often carries a slightly literary or descriptive tone.

Verb

1. have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined
   • She tends to be nervous before her lectures
   • These dresses run small
   • He inclined to corpulence