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predispose

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊz/

KK: /prɪˈdɪspoʊz/

intransitive verb
Definition

To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or to develop a particular condition.


Example

Her family history may predispose her to certain health issues.


Tense Forms

Past: predisposed

Past Participle: predisposed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that some people are genetically predispose to certain illnesses?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read that it can really affect their health later on.
Sloth A
It's interesting how our genes can influence so much about us.
Sloth B
For sure! It makes me think about how important family history is.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
incline
dispose
tend
Antonyms
dissuade
prevent
discourage
transitive verb
Definition

To make someone more likely to behave in a certain way or to develop a particular condition.


Example

Her positive attitude can predispose her to success in her career.


Tense Forms

Past: predisposed

Past Participle: predisposed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that certain factors can predispose someone to allergies?
Sloth B
Really? I had no idea it worked that way.
Sloth A
Yeah, things like genetics and the environment can play a big role.
Root Explanation

Predispose → It is formed from "pre-" (meaning before) and "disponere" (meaning to arrange or set). The word "predispose" means to arrange or set something in advance, often leading to a particular outcome or tendency.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'arranged before' — 'pre-' means before, and 'disponere' means to arrange. This helps you remember that predispose means to make someone inclined to a certain condition or outcome beforehand.

Visually Confused Words
redispose
preindispose
unpredisposed
foredispose
preimpose
prepose
dispose
redisperse
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
That makes sense; I guess I'll have to be more careful about what I'm exposed to.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
incline
dispose
tend
Antonyms
dissuade
prevent
discourage