proneness en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
Etymology tree English prone Proto-Germanic *-inōną Proto-Indo-European *-dyé- Proto-Germanic *-atjaną Proto-Indo-European *-tus Proto-Germanic *-þuz Proto-Germanic *-assuz Proto-Germanic *-inassuz Proto-West Germanic *-nassī Old English -nes Middle English -nesse English -ness English proneness From prone + -ness.
Meanings
-
(uncountable, usually) The quality or state of being prone, or of bending downward.
The proneness of animals is opposed to the erect posture of human beings.
- (uncountable, usually) The state of lying with the face down.
-
(dated, uncountable, usually) Descent; declivity.
the proneness of a hill
-
(uncountable, usually) Inclination of mind, heart, or temper; propension; disposition.
proneness to self-gratification
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| pronenesses | Number=Plur | lexicographic |