penchant
/'pỴ:ɳʃỴ:ɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A strong liking or inclination for something: A definite, often habitual, preference or taste for a particular activity, thing, or type of behavior.
Usage
- The word "penchant" is used to describe a consistent and noticeable preference that someone has. It is often followed by the preposition "for."
- It is a formal word, suitable for both written and spoken English in academic, professional, or descriptive contexts.
Examples
- Noun:
- She has a penchant for classical music and attends every concert in town.
- His penchant for telling long, detailed stories is well known among his friends.
- The designer's penchant for bold colors is evident in her latest collection.
Advanced Usage
- "To have a penchant for (doing) something": This is the most common structure.
- The chef has a penchant for experimenting with unusual spices.
- "A marked penchant": Used to emphasize how strong and obvious the preference is.
- The author shows a marked penchant for complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Variants and Related Words
- Predilection (n): A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something. (Very similar in meaning and formality to "penchant.")
- Proclivity (n): A tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing, often one regarded as negative.
- He has a proclivity for making risky investments.
- Affinity (n): A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something.
- She has a natural affinity for languages.
Synonyms
- Liking: A feeling of regard or fondness. (Less strong than "penchant.")
- Inclination: A person's natural tendency or urge to act or feel in a particular way.
- Taste: A person's liking for particular flavors, styles, or experiences.
- Fondness: Affection or liking for someone or something.
Antonyms
- Aversion: A strong dislike or disinclination.
- Dislike: A feeling of distaste or hostility.
- Antipathy: A deep-seated feeling of dislike.
Related Phrases
- Weakness for: A special liking for something, often something one should avoid.
- I have a weakness for chocolate cake. (This is less formal and often implies a lack of control compared to "penchant.")
- Soft spot for: A special affection for someone or something.
- He has a soft spot for stray animals.
Noun
- a strong liking
- my own preference is for good literature
- the Irish have a penchant for blarney